'Life Of Pi' and 'Slumdog Millionaire' star Irrfan Khan has died aged 53

As reported by the BBC, the critically acclaimed Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan, who gained international fame for his roles in movies like Slumdog Millionaire, Life of Pi, and Jurassic World, has died at the age of 53.

Khan died in a hospital in the western city of Mumbai, his agency has revealed.

[[imagecaption|| The cast of 'Slumdog Millionaire' at the 15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards. Credit: PA Images]]

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."

Following the news of his passing, several stars and politicians have shared their thoughts and tributes to the actor on social media.

Pakistani lawyer and activist Nighat Dad tweeted: "This is an indeed our collective loss and grief #IrrfanKhan"

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Music composer Tony Kakkar said: "India has lost its greatest actor #IrrfanKhan sir.. Extremely sad.."

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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."

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In a career spanning three decades, Khan cemented his legacy as a legend of the big screen all over the world.

He has acted in more than 100 films, including Bollywood hits Piku, Maqbool, Haasil, and Paan Singh Tomar, but Western audiences may know him best for his work in Life Of Pi, Jurassic World, Slumdog Millionaire, and The Amazing Spider-Man.

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.