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Irrfan Khan’s legacy as a masterful actor and profoundly human individual continues to inspire. Actor Shashank Arora, in an interview with The Lallantop, shared heartwarming anecdotes from their time on The Song of Scorpions, painting a vivid picture of Irrfan’s philosophical nature.
Actor Shashank Arora recalls Irrfan’s whimsical wish to fly kites at the Pakistan border, his gulkand halwa recipe, and moments that revealed his unparalleled talent and human depth.
The late Irrfan Khan left behind a cinematic legacy that continues to inspire and resonate deeply with audiences and fellow actors alike. His philosophical nature and unconventional approach to his craft have become stories of legend, often recounted by those fortunate enough to have worked with him. In an interview with Saurabh Dwivedi on The Lallantop, actor Shashank Arora shared heartfelt anecdotes from their time together on the 2017 film The Song of Scorpions. These stories paint a picture of a man who was not only an extraordinary actor but also profoundly human.
When asked about meeting Irrfan for the first time, Shashank revealed that their initial interaction was unique, much like the man himself. “Never. Met him for the first time on the sets. He asked, ‘Script jaanta hai (Have you memorized the script)?’ I said yes. He asked me to narrate his lines, and I did that, and he did my lines. Our first rehearsal was like this, saying each other’s dialogues.” Shashank added that Irrfan, who was in pain during the shoot due to his health struggles, would often retreat into his headphones between takes, reserving his energy for the camera. “He was having a difficult time,” Shashank said, reflecting on Irrfan’s perseverance.
One particularly touching memory unfolded during their shoot near the India-Pakistan border. Recalling this, Shashank said, “It is very cold at night there. He was wearing a kurta pyjama. I have a very vivid and beautiful memory of shooting with him. He was a kind man, but he was in so much pain. I recall that period at times, rona bhi aata hai, acha bhi lagta hai, apne aap ko shabhashi deta hu ki waah, Irrfan sir ke saath acting ki (I feel like crying and also happy thinking I had the opportunity to act with him).”
Irrfan’s love for life’s small joys also left an impression on Shashank. Sharing an anecdote, he said, “One day, he asked me to take a bike and ride till the border so that we can fly kites. I asked him, ‘Kaahan tak (Till where)?’ He said, ‘I want to fly a kite crossing the border, let’s see who shoots the kite.’” This whimsical idea, a testament to Irrfan’s rooted and free-spirited personality, was met with hesitation by producers. But as Shashank said, “He was a very interesting and well-rooted man. He never used to care about his hair or makeup.”
Among the stories, Shashank also shared a humorous recollection about Irrfan’s famous gulkand ka halwa. “Vo toh vo saath leke chale gaye recipe (He took it with him when he passed away),” Shashank joked. “I had never even heard about something like this until he asked me on the sets, ‘Ae, Shashank, Gulkand ka halwa khaayega (Do you want to have rose petal pudding)?’”
One moment that particularly struck Shashank occurred in Pokhran, where two local boys approached them. As the boys struggled to place Irrfan, Shashank mentioned some of his films, including Lunchbox and Paan Singh Tomar, only to realize the boys recognized him from Jurassic World. “That film would be shown in their village for months; no Hindi, no other regional film,” Shashank shared, highlighting the global reach of Irrfan’s talent.
Irrfan Khan, born in Rajasthan in 1967, was one of India’s most celebrated actors, known for seamlessly bridging the gap between Indian cinema and Hollywood. After graduating from the National School of Drama, he rose to prominence with his roles in films like Maqbool, Paan Singh Tomar, and The Lunchbox. His international acclaim came with projects like Slumdog Millionaire, Life of Pi, Jurassic World, and Inferno. Known for his nuanced performances and deep understanding of human emotions, Irrfan’s work transcended cultural boundaries. He passed away in April 2020 after a battle with neuroendocrine cancer, leaving behind a legacy of profound artistry and humility that continues to inspire generations of actors and audiences worldwide.
