Irrfan could not handle cancer battle ‘mentally’, says director Shoojit Sircar: ‘I feel responsible for guiding Babil’

Deepak Kumar August 29, 2023

Irrfan Khan, one of India’s most celebrated actors, was known for his exceptional talent and ability to portray a vast range of characters with nuance and depth. His untimely death in 2020 after a long battle with cancer left the Indian film industry and his fans heartbroken. Shoojit Sircar, the director of some of Irrfan’s most renowned films, including Piku and Vicky Donor, recently opened up about the emotional and mental toll that Irrfan’s battle with cancer took on him, and how it deeply affected the people around him, particularly his family and his son, Babil Khan. Sircar’s reflections on Irrfan’s fight against the disease offer an intimate and candid insight into the actor’s mental state during his final years, shedding light on the emotional complexities that came with fighting such a life-threatening illness. Irrfan Khan was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumor in 2018, a rare form of cancer that affects cells in various organs, including the lungs and gastrointestinal system. The news of his diagnosis came as a shock to fans, as Irrfan had always been seen as a vibrant and energetic actor, both on and off screen. Despite the severity of the disease, he kept the details of his condition largely private, opting to remain focused on his work. His ability to maintain a professional demeanor, even while facing such a dire health crisis, earned him respect from both his peers and the public. However, as Shoojit Sircar reveals, Irrfan’s battle with cancer was not only physically grueling but also mentally taxing. In a recent interview, Sircar, who was close to Irrfan both professionally and personally, spoke about the emotional struggles that Irrfan faced during his illness. He emphasized that cancer is not just a physical battle but a mental one as well. Sircar revealed that Irrfan, despite his strong will and resilience, found it increasingly difficult to handle the mental aspect of his illness. Cancer treatments can take a toll on the body, but the emotional and psychological strain can be just as challenging. Sircar noted that Irrfan, known for his intellectual depth and introspection, struggled with the emotional weight of the illness. “Irrfan could not handle the cancer battle mentally,” Sircar said, alluding to the profound impact it had on the actor’s psyche. The mental toll of cancer is often understated in discussions surrounding the disease, and Sircar’s comments bring to the forefront the emotional isolation that many people with terminal illnesses experience. For someone like Irrfan, who was used to being in control of his work and life, the loss of agency and the physical decline could have been particularly difficult to cope with. Sircar’s reflections underscore the multifaceted nature of cancer, which affects not just the body but also the mind, often leading to feelings of helplessness, fear, and existential questioning. Shoojit Sircar’s relationship with Irrfan went beyond that of a director and actor; they shared a deep bond of friendship and mutual respect. Sircar directed Irrfan in some of his most memorable films, including Piku, where the actor played the role of a cantankerous father dealing with old age, and Vicky Donor, a film that was a breakthrough for both Sircar and Irrfan in terms of their careers. Given their close relationship, Sircar felt a deep responsibility not just for guiding Irrfan in his professional life, but also in his personal journey through his cancer diagnosis.

In the same interview, Sircar expressed how he felt personally responsible for guiding Irrfan’s son, Babil Khan, through the emotional aftermath of his father’s death. Babil, who was just beginning to explore his own path in the film industry, faced the tragic loss of his father at a young age. Shoojit Sircar, having seen Babil grow up in the shadow of his famous father, has now taken it upon himself to mentor and guide him as he steps into the world of acting. Sircar shared that he feels a deep sense of responsibility for Babil’s emotional well-being, understanding the unique challenges that come with losing a parent, particularly someone as iconic and influential as Irrfan Khan. For Sircar, guiding Babil is not just about imparting professional advice, but also about offering emotional support. He recognized the immense pressure Babil would feel living up to the legacy of his father, who was not only an outstanding actor but also an individual with a unique and inspiring approach to life. Sircar noted that Babil has already shown great promise as an actor and that he is naturally talented, but the emotional weight of losing a parent can never be underestimated. As a mentor, Sircar’s role has expanded beyond filmmaking to include helping Babil navigate the complexities of grief and loss, providing him with the emotional tools needed to cope with the absence of his father. Babil Khan’s decision to follow in his father’s footsteps and pursue acting was a path that many saw coming, given his family background. However, the loss of his father before he could truly begin his own career left Babil with a void that could not be easily filled. In interviews and public appearances, Babil has often spoken about how his father’s death affected him, but he has also shown remarkable resilience in his journey. Like his father, Babil is introspective and thoughtful, and his performances, particularly in his debut film Qala, have been praised for their depth and emotional maturity. Shoojit Sircar’s mentorship has been an essential part of Babil’s growth, as he helps him channel his grief and experiences into his craft. In many ways, Babil’s acting journey is intertwined with his father’s legacy, and Sircar’s role as a guide is crucial in ensuring that Babil is able to carve out his own identity as an actor, distinct from the shadow of Irrfan Khan. The pressures of being the son of a legendary actor are immense, but Sircar’s guidance offers a sense of stability and direction for Babil as he navigates both the personal and professional challenges that come with this.

The post Irrfan could not handle cancer battle ‘mentally’, says director Shoojit Sircar: ‘I feel responsible for guiding Babil’ first appeared on InfluencersPro.