Gursimran Khamba Instagram – On 15th Feb 2018 I got a call from Irrfan sir. It was the day before my wedding. We had shot 32 days of Gormint and I don’t think it’d be an exaggeration to say that sir was on top of his game. Sudhir Mishra sir, Ayyappa and I would often discuss how it felt like we were getting a front row seat to an acting masterclass. Sudhir sir had told me ki “Irrfan ke saamne actors thoda darr jaate hain”. We saw it in action everyday – most hilariously with some of our show’s antagonists. Shots ke beech mein unko bolna padta tha “Sir aap villain ho, aap dar nahi sakte”. “Arre par saamne Irrfan hai”. My favourite moment – and its hard to explain for those who weren’t there – sir took a two line joke from the script and improvised an additional 2 minutes of jokes. He kept going – punchline after punchline like an episode of whose line is it anyway. The whole crew gave a standing ovation. It was something I’d never seen before.
15th February, sir called and spoke about his diagnosis and that he wouldn’t be able to make it for the next leg of the shoot. I thought he was playing a prank – he wasn’t. He apologised about the show having to halt and letting the whole crew down. As if a show was more important than his health and well-being.
Like to many others – sir became a teacher – pushing me harder to write better – sometimes slyly dropping a “ek acchi script padhi aaj” – which turned out was The Family Man. Most importantly however, he became like a friend – tolerating my sly responses in return. When we did our first table read with the cast sir said “Yaar 3 table read ki kya zaroorat hai itni prep toh Ang Lee ne nahi karvayi”. Sir uss film mein lead Tiger thaa aap nahi”. A day before we started shooting – I texted sir thanking him for his support – promising that we’ll make something kickass together! He replied saying “Lets create something memorable!” I don’t know how many times I’ve seen that message today. I can only say poori zindagi har show, har film mein yehi koshish rahegi.
Thank you sir and Sutupa ma’am for giving us the privilege to be a tiny part of your lives. For your strength, inspiration and what you have given us. We will forever be grateful 💖💖 | Posted on 29/Apr/2020 20:42:52
