This morning, it was announced that critically acclaimed Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan had died at the age of 53.
As revealed by his agency, Khan died in a hospital in the western city of Mumbai, the BBC reports.
Khan's career spanned almost 30 years, in which he acted in more than 100 movies, including Bollywood hits Piku, Maqbool, Haasil, and Paan Singh Tomar. Western audiences may know him best for his work in Life Of Pi, Jurassic World, Slumdog Millionaire, and The Amazing Spider-Man.
Following the news of his tragic passing, stars, politicians, and fans all over the world have taken to social media to pay their respects to the late actor.
Indian actress Aditi Rao Hydari tweeted: "Thank you for your incredible work, for always inspiring us, for every detailed nuance and for your genius... We will miss you sir and all the movies that could have been..."
Jurassic World director Colin Trevorrow wrote: "Deeply sad to have lost #IrrfanKhan. A thoughtful man who found beauty in the world around him, even in pain. In our last correspondence, he asked me to remember “the wonderful aspects of our existence” in the darkest of days. Here he is, laughing."
Actress-turned-politician Kirron Kher paid her respects, writing: "Deeply disturbed to hear about the passing of #IrrfanKhan. Such a brilliant actor, gone at the age of 53. My heartfelt condolences to his family. May God give them strength to bear this loss. RIP Irrfan"
Actress Sai Pallavi Senthamarai shared: "I have not even met you sir. But this loss feels so personal. Your work and love for the art has made you so close and dear to our hearts. May your soul be in a much happier and peaceful place."
Actor and comedian Kiku Sharda shared his thoughts on his former co-star, writing: "It was an honour meeting him, knowing him, working with him, being around him and seeing how he does what he does so effortlessly. I wish I could have more of him, we could have more of him. Will miss #IrrfanKhan sir, the man, the talent, the LEGEND. RIP"
Actress Kiara Advani wrote to her fans" "An actor who inspired our generation world over with revolutionary performances. Heartbreaking loss. We pray for strength for your family. Rest in peace #IrrfanKhan Sir"
Actor and producer Nivin Pauly wrote: "Absolutely shocked and sad to hear about the demise of #IrrfanKhan. What a brilliant actor he was! Thank you for the memories sir! India will miss you legend! RIP"
Pakistani lawyer and activist Nighat Dad tweeted: "This is an indeed our collective loss and grief #IrrfanKhan"
Music composer Tony Kakkar said: "India has lost its greatest actor #IrrfanKhan sir.. Extremely sad.."
Indian politician B. Sriramulu tweeted: "Extremely saddened by the news of #IrrfanKhan demise. He was one of the most versatile and talented actor of Indian film industry. My heartfelt condolences to his family. Om Shanti."
Indian cricket legend Vinod Kambli wrote: "Saddened to hear about the untimely demise of #IrrfanKhan. Just a few days back I had watched his last film Angrezi Medium on TV along with my family. His talent and acting was beyond words. May his soul rest in peace."
Former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble tweeted: "Saddened to hear the passing away of #IrrfanKhan. A wonderful actor. Gone too soon. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends."
In 2018, the actor posted on Twitter to say that he had been diagnosed with an endocrine tumor - a rare illness affecting cells that release hormones into the bloodstream.
He later underwent treatment in a hospital in London.
Khan would also pen an open letter to his fans describing the "intensity" of his pain and the "uncertainty" of life. In the letter, he described how he felt following his diagnosis, saying:
"The suddenness made me realise how you are just a cork floating in the ocean with UNPREDICTABLE currents! And you are desperately trying to control it."
In 2011, he was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honor for his contribution to the field of arts.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and fans at this tragic time.
