Today, on January 7, 2026, marks the birth anniversary of the late Irrfan Khan, an actor whose performances transcended boundaries and left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Known for his nuanced portrayals and ability to breathe life into every character, Irrfan's filmography is a testament to his versatility and dedication to the craft. In remembrance of his extraordinary talent, let's revisit ten films that exemplify his timeless legacy.

1. Paan Singh Tomar (2012): Irrfan's portrayal of the real-life athlete-turned-rebel, Paan Singh Tomar, is considered one of his most iconic performances. He captured the character's physical and emotional transformation with raw intensity, earning him the National Film Award for Best Actor.

2. The Lunchbox (2013): This heartwarming romance, directed by Ritesh Batra, showcased Irrfan's ability to convey deep emotions with subtlety. As Saajan Fernandes, a lonely office worker, he formed an unlikely connection with a woman through a mistakenly delivered lunchbox, creating a poignant and memorable cinematic experience.

3. Maqbool (2003): Vishal Bhardwaj's adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth saw Irrfan deliver a powerful performance as Maqbool, a henchman caught in the web of the Bombay mafia. This role solidified his position as a leading actor in Indian cinema and earned him critical acclaim.

4. Life of Pi (2012): In this visually stunning adventure-drama directed by Ang Lee, Irrfan played the adult Pi Patel, narrating his incredible story of survival at sea. Though primarily a narrator, his presence resonated deeply, contributing to the film's critical and commercial success.

5. Hindi Medium (2017): This social commentary on India's education system featured Irrfan as Raj Batra, a father determined to provide his daughter with the best education. His comedic timing and heartfelt portrayal made the film a box office hit and highlighted the struggles of class hierarchy.

6. Talvar (2015): Based on the real-life Noida double murder case, Talvar saw Irrfan play a CBI officer investigating the controversial incident. His nuanced performance captured the complexities of the investigation, adding to the film's gripping narrative.

7. Haider (2014): Irrfan played the character Roohdaar in this film. Although Irrfan’s character was small, his entry and dialogues breathed life into the film.

8. Slumdog Millionaire (2008): As a police inspector in this Danny Boyle film, Irrfan brought his signature intensity to the role. Though a supporting character, his performance added depth to the narrative, contributing to the film's global success.

9. The Namesake (2006): Irrfan portrayed Ashoke Ganguli, a Bengali professor navigating life as an immigrant in the United States. He captured the character's internal conflict and longing for his homeland with sensitivity, resonating with audiences worldwide.

10. Qissa (2014): In this poignant film, Irrfan played Umber Singh, a man grappling with identity and cultural norms after the partition of India. His powerful performance explored themes of gender and belonging, solidifying his reputation as a versatile actor.

Irrfan Khan's ability to effortlessly transition between genres and his commitment to delivering authentic performances earned him a special place in the hearts of cinephiles. His films continue to inspire and entertain, serving as a reminder of his extraordinary talent and enduring legacy. He passed away in 2020, but his films continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.