The late, legendary actor Irrfan Khan's final film, 'Angrezi Medium', stands as a testament not just to his cinematic genius but to an almost superhuman dedication to his craft. New revelations from the film's set paint a heart-wrenching picture of the immense physical pain the actor endured during production, all while his spirit for acting remained unbroken.
The Chilling Reality on Set: A Costume Designer's Account
In a poignant revelation on the YouTube channel Digital Commentary's 'Unfolding Talents' episode, costume designer Smriti Chauhan opened up about her experience working with Irrfan Khan during the making of the film. She shared that the actor's health visibly deteriorated as the shoot progressed. "He was in a lot of pain when we were shooting Angrezi Medium," Chauhan recalled, highlighting the difficult circumstances.
She remembered a specific, repeated request from the ailing star that underscored his condition. Irrfan would tell her, "Smriti, I get very cold." In response to his plea, he asked her to procure warmers from a specific brand in London. Chauhan complied, doing everything possible to help him maintain some level of comfort amidst his suffering.
A Shrinking Frame and the Need for Disguise
Smriti Chauhan provided a stark visual of Irrfan's declining physical state. She observed that his body kept getting thinner throughout the filming schedule. "During the shoot of the film also, he kept shrinking. We had to add a lot of padding to his clothes," she disclosed.
The challenge for the costume department was significant. Even when he was dressed in multiple layers, additional padding was necessary to give his frame a fuller appearance. This created a poignant contrast, as the film required summer scenes, yet Irrfan was compelled to wear padded vests underneath his costumes simply to stay warm. His physical weakness was an undeniable reality, but it never dimmed the fierce will to perform that shone through his eyes.
When the Pain Overpowered the Will
There were days when Irrfan's condition made it impossible for him to continue. Smriti Chauhan spoke of the production's unavoidable halts. "There have been days on Angrezi Medium when we couldn't shoot because he couldn't reach the set despite trying," she said. The pain would sometimes become overwhelming, forcing him to take breaks.
Throughout this trying period, his family remained a constant, supportive presence by his side. For Chauhan, witnessing his journey cemented a belief about the actor's life force. She felt that acting was his very essence. She reflected on his apparent mindset, stating he believed, "This is what I live for, and I probably want to just die doing this." His commitment to his art, even in the face of a debilitating illness, was absolute.
The film, directed by Homi Adajania, featured a stellar cast including Radhika Madan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Deepak Dobriyal, and Ranvir Shorey. While it was promoted as a heartwarming comedy-drama, the behind-the-scenes narrative now adds a deeply moving layer to Irrfan Khan's final cinematic offering, revealing the extraordinary personal cost at which it was delivered.
