Before becoming a beloved Bollywood actor, Irrfan Khan had a humble beginning that many fans may not know about. The versatile actor, who passed away on 29 April 2020, left an indelible mark on the film industry with his powerful performances. But there was a time when Irrfan wasn’t working on film sets but fixing air conditioners for a living.
Irrfan Khan’s Early Days as a Technician
In his early days, Irrfan Khan trained as a technician in Jaipur to make ends meet. After finishing his training, he moved to Mumbai, where he worked for a company that sent him on field jobs to repair ACs. This was far from the glamorous world of Bollywood, but Irrfan accepted it as part of his journey.
The Unexpected Meeting With Rajesh Khanna
One day, while working as an AC repairman, Irrfan Khan found himself at the doorstep of a Bollywood superstar—Rajesh Khanna. He vividly recalled this encounter in an interview, saying, “I remember some brother opened the door and asked who I was. I told him I was the AC guy, and he let me in.” That brief moment at Rajesh Khanna’s house sparked something in Irrfan. It made him realize he wanted to pursue acting.
Returning to Jaipur and Realizing His True Calling
After his time in Mumbai as a technician, Irrfan went back to Jaipur. There, his father helped him find a job at a fan repair shop. However, it didn’t take long for Irrfan to realize that this wasn’t what he wanted. “I couldn’t just work for money. I wanted to follow my passion,” he once shared.
The Start of Irrfan Khan’s Acting Career
Fueled by this newfound determination, Irrfan joined the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD) in 1987. After graduating, he struggled to find work in the film industry, with his first small role in Salaam Bombay getting cut from the final version. However, things slowly changed as he bagged a role in Ek Doctor Ki Maut in 1990, marking the start of his illustrious career.
Irrfan Khan’s journey from a technician to one of India’s most respected actors serves as a reminder that perseverance and passion can lead to incredible success, even from the most unexpected beginnings.
