• Parents:
  Yaseen Ali Khan (Father)
  Saeeda Begum Khan (Mother)
• Siblings:
  Rukhsana Begum 
  Salman Khan
  Imran Khan
• Spouse:
  Sutapa Sikdar
• Children:
  Babil Khan
  Ayaan Khan
   

Irrfan Khan completed his schooling in Jaipur, Rajasthan, where he was born and raised.
He was a bright student with an interest in academics but also had a deep love for cricket during his school years.

He pursued a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur.
During his college years, he became inclined toward drama and acting, which led him to explore the world of performing arts.

Irrfan's passion for acting led him to apply to the National School of Drama (NSD), one of India’s most prestigious institutions for theatre and acting. He was admitted to NSD in 1984 and graduated in 1987 with a specialization in acting. He received a scholarship to NSD after being recognized for his talent, which allowed him to pursue his dream despite financial challenges.
 

• He began with small roles in television serials such as Chanakya(1991), Bharat Ek Khoj(1988), Banegi Apni Baat(1993), Chandrakanta(1994), and Star Bestsellers(1999).
• His film debut came in Mira Nair’s Salaam Bombay! (1988), though it was a minor role.

• During the 1990s, Irrfan struggled for substantial roles.
• He primarily acted in TV serials and played small roles in films, gaining little recognition.
• His first significant role came with the critically acclaimed film Haasil (2003), where he played a negative character.
• Vishal Bhardwaj’s  Maqbool (2003), an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, showcased his versatility and earned him recognition in the industry.
• He gained international acclaim with The Namesake(2006), directed by Mira Nair, and Slumdog Millionaire(2008), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
• He delivered powerful performances in films such as Life in a... Metro (2007), Paan Singh Tomar (2012), which won him the National Film Award for Best Actor.
• He successfully transitioned to Hollywood and acted in The Amazing Spider-Man (2012), Life of Pi (2012), Jurassic World (2015), and  Inferno(2016) alongside Tom Hanks.
• Back in Bollywood, The Lunchbox(2013) became a global success, further cementing his stardom.
• Irrfan starred in the critically and commercially successful film Hindi Medium(2017), for which he won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor.
• His last major Hindi films included Qarib Qarib Singlle(2017), Karwaan(2018) and Angrezi Medium (2020, released posthumously).

Irrfan Khan married Sutapa Sikdar, a writer, dialogue editor, and producer. The couple met while studying at the National School of Drama (NSD) in Delhi and fell in love during their time there. They tied the knot on February 23, 1995, and shared a strong and loving relationship until Irrfan's passing in 2020.

Together they have 2 children Babil Khan and Ayaan Khan.

He passed away on April 29, 2020, at the age of 53. In March 2018, he was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour, a rare form of cancer affecting the cells that release hormones into the bloodstream. Following his diagnosis, Irrfan sought treatment abroad and maintained a low profile, sharing occasional updates about his health. In April 2020, he was admitted to Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital due to a colon infection, a complication arising from his condition.

His passing was met with an outpouring of grief from fans, colleagues, and the global film community, who remembered him for his exceptional talent, versatility, and significant contributions to cinema. Irrfan Khan's legacy continues to inspire actors and filmmakers worldwide.

• Humble and Grounded: Irrfan remained deeply rooted and modest about his achievements despite his international success.
• Resilient: He faced hardships, including his battle with neuroendocrine cancer, with immense strength and optimism.
• Introspective: Known for his reflective and thoughtful nature as a person and artist.
• Creative and Versatile: Irrfan brought an unmatched depth and realism to his roles, excelling in diverse characters across genres.
• Passionate: His dedication to acting was evident in his meticulous approach to every performance.
• Charming Sense of Humor: Irrfan was admired for his witty, subtle, and sometimes self-deprecating humor.
• Emotionally Intelligent: He connected deeply with people and understood human emotions profoundly, which is reflected in his work.
• Philosophical: In interviews, he often shared profound insights about life, death, and the human experience.
• Down-to-Earth: Known for his simple lifestyle and disregard for the trappings of fame.
• Charismatic: His magnetic screen presence and off-screen persona made him beloved globally.

• One whispered story centred on his work in Maqbool (2003). To prepare, he vanished into the heart of Mumbai, spending weeks among real-life gangsters. He didn't just copy their moves; he absorbed their essence – the way they held a smoke, the spark in their eyes, the barely there shift in their stance. This secret immersion gave his Macbeth-inspired role a chilling realism.
• Another unforgettable moment unfolded during the filming of The Namesake (2006). A key scene needed powerful emotion shown with just a few words and subtle facial expressions. He spent hours alone, lost in mournful Bengali music, letting the sadness soak into his soul before stepping in front of the camera. The result is a performance that touched everyone.
• Then, around 2011, for a smaller part, he spontaneously mastered a tricky regional dialect, simply because he felt it would make the character more real. This unseen dedication became his signature. He didn't chase fame; he chased the truth of the role, leaving behind a legacy that's far bigger than any big hit movie. His quiet focus, his careful preparation – these were the untold stories, the quiet moments that built a legend. They weren't just events; they were the bricks and mortar of his remarkable career.