Irrfan Khan's Journey From Visiting Rajesh Khanna's House As An AC Mechanic To Bollywood Stardom

Irrfan Khan was one of the most talented actors in Indian cinema. From Hollywood to Bollywood, Irrfan made his place in acting. Although Irrfan didn’t have any plans of becoming an actor, today he is a big name when it comes to Indian cinema. Irrfan wanted to pursue his career in cricket, but maybe destiny had some other plans.

At the age of 53, Irrfan left for his heavenly abode on April 29, 2020. His untimely demise had shocked the entire nation. Even after so many years since his untimely death, the actor remains in the hearts of the audience through his versatile acting. But do you know how his acting journey started? Read on to know more.

Irrfan Khan wanted to be a cricketer in his teens before starting his acting career

Sahabzade Irfan Ali Khan aka Irrfan Khan was born on January 7, 1967 in Tonk, Rajasthan, in a Muslim nawab family. During his teens, Irrfan was an all-rounder in cricket. Due to his star performance in cricket, he also got selected for the CK Nayudu Trophy tournament. Back in 2014, speaking to the Telegraph, the actor said:

“I wanted to become a cricketer. I was an all-rounder and the youngest one in my team in Jaipur. I wanted to make a career out of it. I was selected for the CK Nayudu tournament I think and then I needed money and didn’t know who to ask. That day I decided I cannot pursue it.”

After giving up on his dream of becoming a cricketer, Irrfan chose acting as his career. In 1984, Irrfan completed his Master's degree in Jaipur and then joined the National School of Drama (NSD), when he lost his father. His mother didn’t like him joining the acting school, but his sister was quite supportive. Recalling an incident, Irrfan once shared in an interview with The Telegraph how his sister helped him financially. Speaking of the same, the actor said:

“I needed Rs 300 for the National School of Drama, which was difficult for me. My sister finally got it for me.”

Irrfan Khan’s early struggle when he came to Mumbai from Jaipur

Following his passion for acting that he inherited from his uncle, a theatre performer in Jodhpur, Irrfan came to Mumbai all the way from Jaipur. The Bollywood star once revealed how was his initial days in Mumbai. In an old interview with the Times of India, Irrfan once shared that he was an AC mechanic. Sharing the same, the actor said:

“I was doing some training in a technical course in Jaipur and I came to Bombay through this training of air conditioning. Then I started going on the field, to different houses to repair air conditioners. This is when I thought that it is so boring. I realised I cannot earn money just for the sake of earning money, it has to be the by-product. I have to be fascinated with what I am doing.”

In a conversation with Naseeruddin Shah, Irrfan once shared that he also visited Bollywood superstar, Rajesh Khanna’s house to repair AC. This meetup with the superstar, made him realise that he wanted to be an actor. Speaking of the same, the actor said:

“Rajesh Khanna. I still remember the way bai opened the door she said ‘kaun?’ I said ‘AC wala’ and she replied ‘Aaiye’. ”

Irrfan Khan’s professional achievements

Irrfan Khan made his silver screen debut in Mira Nair’s film, Salaam Bombay, where he played a minor role in 1988. But during the film’s final cut, the actor’s clip was removed. In 2001, Irrfan got his breakthrough with Asif Kapadia’s film, The Warrior. This film won the Alexander Korda Award for Best British Film at the BAFTA Awards. In 2008, with the film, Slumdog Millionaire, he made his name globally. He gave hits like Paan Singh Tomar, The Lunchbox, Life in a Metro, Life of Pi, The Namesake, Piku, and more. His last screen appearance was in the film, Angrezi Medium.

What do you think about Irrfan Khan's struggling days? Let us know.

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