Irrfan Khan, who was considered as one of the finest actors in the Indian film industry, passed away at the age of 53 in a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday. He was admitted for a colon infection. A few days ago Irrfan had returned home from London after being treated for a tumour. Irrfan earned global limelight with Oscar-winning movie ‘Slumdog Millionaire’. His last Bollywood film was Angrezi Medium.
Irrfan was an outstanding actor, and from one to all, almost everyone who witnessed him on the big screen became his fan. However, not many are yet aware of the fact that Irrfan wanted to become a cricketer, but due to lack of Rs 600, he couldn’t participate in the CK Nayudu trophy – regarded as the launching pad to First-Class cricket.
In an interview with the Telegraph India, Irrfan had admitted his wish to become a cricketer while in the early twenties. Moreover, he was also selected to play in the CK Nayudu Trophy, but due to lack of funds, he had to miss out.
“I played cricket. 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. I couldn’t have asked for Rs 600 at that time,” Irrfan had said.
The stepping stone in Irrfan’s acting career was National School of Drama (NSD). However, when he took admission in the prestigious institute, he needed Rs 300 but failed to make arrangements for that amount as well. Then Irrfan’s sister came to the rescue and helped her brother by arranging the funds.
“I needed Rs 300 for National School of Drama, which was difficult for me. My sister finally got it for me,” Irrfan had revealed.
The actor had justified the decision to give up on cricket by saying that cricket has loads of limitations and competition, but acting has no limits at all. Irrfan had added that in acting, it all depends on an individual’s hard work.
“Giving up cricket was a conscious decision. There are only 11 players in the whole country. Actors mein koi limit nahin hai! There is no age limit in acting… jitna mehnat karoge….You yourself are your own weapon,” Irrfan had said.
