Irrfan Khan has made a mark in the annals of Indian cinema history as one of the greatest actors the country has ever witnessed. When he died two years ago, after a prolonged battle with cancer, fans not only lost a spirited performer but also a relatable face in the glossy world of Bollywood. From comedy movies to thriller flicks, Irrfan Khan has worked in a plethora of movies that have been fan favourites for decades. And just like his movies, several of Irrfan Khan's dialogues also remain a hit with fans years after they were first delivered by the actor.
On his death anniversary, here is a list of 10 dialogues of Irrfan Khan that will take you down memory lane.
Karwaan, one of Irrfan Khan's last movies and one that deals with the concept of death, is filled with words of wisdom. Here's one such dialogue: “Logon ko haq jatana aata hai, Rishta nibhana nahi aata. (People know how to assert their rights, but they don't know how to maintain a relationship).”
Another profound dialogue from Karwaan by Irrfan Khan speaks to people of all ages -- “Chaand pe baad mein jaana zamaane waalon, pehle dharti pe toh rehna seekh lo (Before you start heading towards the Moon, dear Earthlings, at least learn how to live on the ground).”
In Jazbaa, Irrfan Khan had several dialogues that will make you want to clap and whistle. While there are many lines to pick from, our favourite is: “Mohabbat hai isliye jaane diya… zid hoti toh baahon mein hoti” (I let her go since she is my love … had she been my subject of obstinacy then she would have been in my arms)
Piku is another lovely film in Irrfan Khan's repertoire and features a bunch of funny and sweet dialogues, delivered effortlessly by the actor. Here's a sample -- “Death aur shit, yeh do cheezen kisi ko kabhi bhi kahi bhi aa sakti hein (Death and shit … These two things can come to anyone, anywhere, anytime).”
If you ever need to drive home the importance of honesty, you can always quote this Irrfan Khan dialogue from Angrezi Medium – “Zindagi mein kuch bhi hone se pehle, imaandar hona bahut zaroori hai (In life before you become anything, it's important to become honest).”
Another lovely dialogue of Irrfan Khan that is bound to stay with you is this one from Life Of Pi: “I suppose, in the end, the whole life becomes an act of letting go.”
In Irrfan Khan's The Lunchbox, the actor sums up the complexities of life in one simple dialogue. He says, “Life is very busy these days. There are too many people, and everyone wants what the other has.”
Feeling lonely in the city? Then this dialogue from Life In A Metro will resonate with you: “Ye sheher humein jitna deta hai, badle mein kahin zyada humse le lete hai (This city takes from us just as much as it gives us).”
Are dreams important? More than anything else, says Irrfan Khan in Angrezi Medium. “Aadmi Ka Sapna Toot Jata Hai Na, Toh Aadmi Khatam Ho Jata Hai (When a man's dream is shattered, his life is but finished).”
In The Namesake, Irrfan Khan spoke of the importance of travel. “Pack a pillow and blanket and see as much of the world you can. You will not regret it. One day, it will be too late,” he said.
And we leave you with a dialogue from Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster Returns that is sure to make you cheer for the showman. “Hamari toh gaali par bhi taali parti hai (Even at my profanities, I get an applause)."
Irrfan Khan was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour in March 2018 and received treatment in London. In 2020, he was admitted to Mumbai's Kokilaben Hospital in the last week of April and died on April 29.
