“He Was In Pain,” Costume Designer Reveals Struggles Of Irrfan Khan During Angrezi Medium

Irrfan Khan was never just an actor; he was a storyteller who believed deeply in his craft. Even as illness weakened his body, his love for acting never faded. For Irrfan, performing wasn’t work, it was life itself, right till the very end.

New revelations from the sets of Angrezi Medium now shed light on how difficult those final months truly were for the late actor. While audiences saw his gentle screen presence, few knew the physical pain he quietly endured behind the camera, choosing dedication over discomfort.

Costume designer Smriti Chauhan, who worked closely with Irrfan on the film, recently spoke about her experience during a YouTube interview. She shared that his health steadily declined during the shoot and that those around him could clearly see the toll it was taking. According to her, Irrfan rarely complained but there were moments when his discomfort became impossible to ignore.

She recalled how he often felt extremely cold, even during shoots meant to portray summer. He mentioned needing special warmers and trusted the team to arrange whatever was necessary to help him get through the day. As filming progressed, his weight dropped noticeably and his frame became frailer. To keep him comfortable and maintain continuity on screen, the costume team added multiple layers and padding beneath his clothes, even in scenes set in warm weather.

Smriti explained that adjusting his costumes became a constant process as his body was visibly changing. Despite all the layers, additional padding was required to help him feel physically supported. These adjustments were made quietly and respectfully, without ever drawing attention to his condition.

There were also days when shooting had to be paused entirely. His pain sometimes became unmanageable and despite his desire to be present, he simply could not make it to the set. Smriti shared that his family was almost always by his side, supporting him through breaks when he needed to step away and gather strength. Even then, his commitment never wavered. He showed up whenever he could, driven by a belief that acting was what gave his life meaning.

She reflected that Irrfan seemed to live for his work and wanted to keep performing for as long as he possibly could. In many ways, Angrezi Medium became a reflection of that belief, a film completed through sheer will and love for the art.

Directed by Homi Adajania, Angrezi Medium starred Radhika Madan, Kareena Kapoor, Deepak Dobriyal and Ranvir Shorey. The film, a sequel to Hindi Medium, released shortly before Irrfan’s passing in 2020, making it one of his final gifts to audiences.

Irrfan’s journey began in television before he made his film debut in Salaam Bombay! in 1988. Over the years, he delivered unforgettable performances in films like Maqbool, Haider, Piku and The Lunchbox. His talent also earned him global recognition through international projects such as Life of Pi, The Amazing Spider-Man and Inferno.

In 2018, Irrfan Khan revealed that he had been diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour, expressing hope that he would return with more stories to tell. Though he passed away in 2020, he left behind a legacy built on honesty, humility and unmatched passion. He is survived by his wife Sutapa Sikdar and their sons, Babil and Ayan, and by countless performances that continue to move audiences around the world.

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