Irrfan Khan was one of the finest actors to grace Bollywood, but according to his co-actor, Shashank Arora, he was also a very interesting human being.
Irrfan Khan was a gem to grace the cinematic world. His legacy remains evident in his work as a masterful actor. Years after his passing, his profoundly human individuality continues to inspire the stars who had the luxury of sharing the screen with him.
Actor, Shashank Arora was one of the lucky stars who got a chance to work with the legend. In an interview with The Lallantop, the actor shared heartwarming anecdotes about Irrfan Khan. Shashank worked with Irrfan during the film, The Song Of Scorpions.
In an interview with Saurabh Dwivedi on The Lallantop Cinema, actor Shashank Arora shared stories from his time with Irrfan Khan on the sets of the 2017 film, The Song of Scorpions. Shashank reflected on how Irrfan was not only an extraordinary actor but also profoundly human. When the actor was asked about their first meeting with the legendary actor, he revealed that it was no less than unique. He shared that the first time he met Irrfan, the actor asked him to recite Irrfan's lines from the film while he recited Shahshank's. He shared:
"Pehli baar mila set par. Unhoney bola, ‘Script jaanta hai?’ Maine kaha haan. Kehtey meri liney bol, toh Maine unki lines boli, unhoney meri lines boli. Humaari pehli rehearsal aaisi hi thi."
In the same conversation, Shashank Arora shared that Irrfan Khan would often put on his headphones and rest between the scenes because the actor was in a lot of pain. He revealed that even during their first meeting, the actor had taken a nap and had asked Shashank to wake him up when the director called. He added that he was unwell, and it was a very difficult time for him.
Click here to watch the video
Shashank Arora recalled a touching memory that unfolded during their shoot. He added that they were shooting near the India-Pakistan border. Shashank also got emotional when remembering Irrfan, as he shared that he feels proud to have had the chance to act with him. Reflecting on the time he shared:
"Udhar raat ko thand bhi bohot ho jaati hai aur Irrfan sir kurta payjama mei act kar rahe the. Bohot hi vivid, khoobsurat, khatarnak memory hai. Bohot hi aache insaan the vo aur uss wakt bohot hi takleef mei the. Kabhi kabhi sochta hu mai toh mujhe rona bhi aana hai accha bhi lagta hai. Phir mai apney aap ko shabhashi deta hu ki waah, Irrfan sir ke saath acting ki"
Shashank further added that life is not as simple. He proceeded to share the time when Irrfan asked him to go on a ride to the border so that they could fly kites there. The actor recalled Irrfan as a very interesting man, and the idea was a testament to Irrfan’s rooted and free-spirited personality. However, Irrfan's producers hesitated to accept his idea. He shared:
"Ek din wo mereko boltey hai, bike le, border tak chalatey hai, patang udaainge. Toh maine kaha, 'kahan tak?' He said mereko patang udaani hai border k paar. Dekhte hai kaun goli maarega."
What are your thoughts on Shashank Arora's stories about his time with Irrfan Khan?
Read More: When Parineeti Chopra Googled Her Husband, Raghav Chadha And Then Decided To Marry Him