Irrfan Khan dead: 'Life Of Pi' star dies three days after his mother's passing

**Irrfan Khan has died in India. Photo: Getty Images North America.**

Irrfan Khan has died at the age of 53, the BBC has reported.

The Bollywood film star, who found fame in the West with Jurassic World, Slumdog Millionaire, Life Of Pi and The Amazing Spider-Man, had been battling a colon infection in intensive care.

His team originally denied rumours of his death in a statement.

Originally, his reps had said: "Yes it is true that Irrfan khan is admitted to ICU at Kokilaben in Mumbai because of a colon infection. We would keep everyone updated. He is under doctor's observation.

"His strength and courage have helped him battle and fight so far and we are sure with his tremendous willpower and prayers of all his well-wishers, he will recover soon."

Irrfan had recently been diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour and was receiving treatment in the UK for it.

He has been in India for the duration of the coronavirus lockdown and was rushed to Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital on Tuesday with the infection. Rumours surrounding his health swirled early on Wednesday morning, prompting his team to put out a statement confirming he was still alive.

"It's really disappointing to know that there are extreme assumptions being made about Irrfan's health," his reps told Indian media.

"While we are truly appreciative that people are concerned, it's disheartening to see some sources spread extreme rumours and creating panic.

"Irrfan is a strong person and is still fighting the battle. We really request you to not fall for rumours and not partake in these fictional conversations.

"We have always actively clarified and shared updates on his health and we will continue doing so."

**Irrfan also starred in Life of Pi. Photo:AFP.**

However, his death was later confirmed by his publicist in a statement that commended the actor for his courage in his fight against cancer.

The statement read: "'I trust, I have surrendered'; these were the some of the many words that Irrfan expressed in a heartfelt note he wrote in 2018 opening up about his fight with cancer.

"And a man of few words and an actor of silent expressions with his deep eyes and his memorable actions on screen.

"It’s saddening that this day, we have to bring forward the news of him passing away. Irrfan was a strong soul, someone who fought till the very end and always inspired everyone who came close to him.

"After having been struck by lightning in 2018 with the news of a rare cancer, he took life soon after as it came and he fought the many battles that came with it.

"Surrounded by his love, his family for whom he most cared about, he left for heavenly abode, leaving behind truly a legacy of his own.

"We all pray and hope that he is at peace. And to resonate and part with his words he had said, 'As if I was tasting life for the first time, the magical side of it'."

Irrfan is survived by his wife Sutapa Sikder, and sons Babil and Ayan.

The actor's passing came just three days after the death of his mother, Saeeda Begum, who died on Saturday.

**He said he hopes to be back with more stories to tell. Photo:AFP.**

Irrfan was unable to attend her funeral due to the coronavirus lockdown in India but reportedly paid his last respects by video call.

Born in the Indian city of, Jaipur, Irrfan later moved to Mumbai to start his acting career in TV in the 1980s.

He made the transition to film in the 1990s, but he didn't shoot to fame until he was offered the lead role in BAFTA-winning 2001 movie The Warrior.

Irrfan's first Bollywood film role came in 2005's Rog, and he spent the next few years becoming well-known for playing villains.

He made the cross-over to Hollywood in 2008's Slumdog Millionaire, playing a police inspector.

The movie's director, Danny Boyle, said of Irrfan, "He has an instinctive way of finding the 'moral centre' of any character so that in Slumdog, we believe the policeman might conclude that Jamal is innocent."

He went on to land roles in movies such as New York, I Love You, The Amazing Spider-Man, BAFTA-nominated The Lunchbox and Oscar-winning Life of Pi.

In 2015, another blockbuster came his way as he landed the role of park owner Simon Masrani in Jurassic World, and a year later he starred opposite Tom Hanks in Dan Brown adaptation Inferno.

His last film appearance came in 2020 Hindi-language film Angrezi Medium.