Manu Rishi, who co-starred with Irrfan Khan in Angrezi Medium, recently shared an emotional memory of laying the late actor to rest—an experience he almost missed but was thankfully able to be a part of. He also revealed that Irrfan had once recommended him to a well-known director and later praised him for having the courage to approach the director’s home. Recalling the burial, Manu said, “I placed sandalwood on Irrfan before burying him with my own hands.” He also remembered visiting the set of Hindi Medium just to hug Irrfan, realizing that he needed to gather as many memories with him as possible before he was gone.
In an interview with the Red Mike YouTube channel, Manu Rishi reflected on the deep grief he felt while remembering Irrfan Khan and the emotional moment of personally burying him. He recalled how he almost missed the chance to say a final goodbye but managed to do so in a deeply personal way. Despite Covid restrictions that kept many people out of the burial ground, Manu was fortunate to be allowed in. Once there, he carefully placed sandalwood on Irrfan before laying him to rest with his own hands—a memory that still moves him deeply.
Manu also shared touching memories of his time with Irrfan. He remembered the beginning of Hindi Medium when he reached out to the director, wondering why he wasn’t even offered a small role after his significant part in Angrezi Medium. All he wanted was a brief moment to hug Irrfan. Soon after, Irrfan personally called Manu, sent him tickets, and invited him to Udaipur. Manu went just to embrace his friend, realizing that Irrfan was slowly slipping away. Instead of focusing on acting, he concentrated on cherishing their remaining time together. Although Irrfan didn’t survive, Manu still treasures the message he received from him.
Manu Rishi also recalled how Irrfan once recommended him to a prominent director to write a film. When the director questioned his abilities, Manu confidently responded that the director could either trust his work or Irrfan’s recommendation. Manu pointed out that if the director hadn’t seen his work, he wouldn’t be asking such a question. He even challenged the director by asking how he would feel if someone asked him to direct a scene for approval. When the director mentioned that he had directed six films, Manu replied that he had written eleven. His frustration wasn’t from the lack of recognition but from the director’s failure to trust Irrfan’s recommendation.
Manu also remembered a night when Irrfan visited him after this encounter. Instead of scolding him for standing up to the director, Irrfan praised him for his courage. As soon as he opened the door, Irrfan said, “Either you will die, or you will survive. This self-respect that you have is very correct.” This moment left a lasting impression on Manu, as Irrfan admired his strength and conviction.
Angrezi Medium, released in 2020 and directed by Homi Adajania, is a follow-up to the 2017 film Hindi Medium. The movie stars Irrfan Khan, Radhika Madan, and Kareena Kapoor Khan, telling the heartwarming story of a father, Champak (played by Irrfan), who is determined to help his daughter, Tarika (Radhika Madan), achieve her dream of studying in London. The film was praised for its touching performances, especially Irrfan’s portrayal of a devoted father.
Irrfan Khan was a celebrated Indian actor known for his diverse roles in both Bollywood and Hollywood. His career took off with notable performances in films like Maqbool and The Namesake. Irrfan became known for his natural, understated acting in acclaimed films such as Paan Singh Tomar, The Lunchbox, and Hindi Medium. He also gained global recognition with roles in Hollywood films like Life of Pi, Jurassic World, and Slumdog Millionaire. His death in April 2020 from a neuroendocrine tumor marked the loss of one of India’s finest actors, leaving behind a lasting legacy.
