- By Sidhi Agarwall
- Wed, 07 Jan 2026 04:01 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Irrfan Khan Birth Anniversary: On Wednesday, 7 January 2026, the Indian film industry and fans worldwide paused to remember the legendary actor Irrfan Khan on what would have been his 59th birthday. Leading the tributes was his son, actor Babil Khan, who chose to celebrate his father’s life by sharing intimate family memories and rare photographs that offered a glimpse into their private bond.
Babil Khan took to Instagram to post a series of nostalgic images. One particularly touching photograph shows a young Babil lying comfortably on his father’s back as they relax together on a floor mat. Accompanying the images was a heartfelt caption where Babil revealed a playful childhood ritual. He wrote: "Pictures of you. Pictures of me. (I used to say ‘sofa mode activated’ before I jumped on him and fell asleep on his back)." This simple anecdote resonated deeply with followers, highlighting the warmth and approachability of a man who was often seen as an intellectual giant of the silver screen. Another shared photo featured a more recent, candid moment of the father and son standing face-to-face outdoors at night.
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Irrfan Khan remains one of the most respected figures in global cinema. He was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour in 2018 and fought a courageous two-year battle with the disease. His death at the age of 53 came just days after the passing of his own mother, Saeeda Begum, in Jaipur. Known for his incredible range and understated acting style, Irrfan left behind an enviable body of work, including The Lunchbox, Life in a... Metro, Hindi Medium and International hits like Life of Pi, Slumdog Millionaire, and Jurassic World.
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Meanwhile, since his father's passing, Babil has frequently spoken about how Irrfan was a guiding light and a source of emotional grounding. While Babil has faced his own challenges in the limelight, he has continued to build his own path. He was recently seen in the cyber-thriller Logout, directed by Amit Golani. The film, which also stars Rasika Dugal, explores the psychological pressures of digital fame.