As the calendar marks five years since the release of the beloved film Angrezi Medium, actress Radhikka Madan took a moment to remember the late Irrfan Khan, the star whose performance in the movie left an indelible impact on audiences across the world. The film, which released in 2020, is a powerful tale of familial love, sacrifice, and dreams, with Irrfan Khan playing the role of Champak Bansal, a devoted father determined to fulfill his daughter’s aspirations, even if it means traveling across the globe to London. This heartwarming story was also his last major film before his tragic death, which left a void in Indian cinema.
In a touching tribute shared on social media, Radhikka, who portrayed Champak’s daughter, Tarika, reflected on the time she spent working with the iconic actor and the deep lessons she learned during the film’s shoot. She fondly remembered how Irrfan’s professionalism, wisdom, and humor shaped her as an actor and left a lasting influence on her approach to work.
“Angrezi Medium will always be close to my heart because it was my first film with Irrfan sir, and it was also a turning point in my career,” Radhikka wrote. “He was the kind of actor whose presence was enough to make the whole set come alive. There was so much to learn from him, not just about acting but about life itself.”
Radhikka’s tribute was not just about recalling fond memories; it also served as a deep reflection on the kind of person Irrfan Khan was. Over the course of his illustrious career, Irrfan had earned the admiration of millions not just for his stellar performances but for his grounded, humble, and thoughtful approach to life and work. For Radhikka, these qualities made a significant impact on her, as she witnessed firsthand how Irrfan’s humility and professionalism elevated the entire team during the making of Angrezi Medium.
She went on to describe how, despite being an experienced actor, Irrfan maintained a childlike curiosity about his work and was always open to exploring new ideas. “I remember when we would rehearse for scenes, he would often ask questions about the script, and I would wonder, ‘Here is this legend, and he still wants to know more. He’s so open to discovery!’ He made me realize that no matter how much you achieve, there’s always room to grow,” Radhikka shared. “He taught me that the craft of acting is a lifelong journey, and one should never stop learning.”
The emotional depth that Irrfan brought to Angrezi Medium was one of the movie’s standout features, and Radhikka credited him for creating an environment where everyone felt comfortable exploring their characters. Working with him helped her navigate the complexities of her role, especially since her character, Tarika, was someone caught between her love for her father and her desire for independence. “Irrfan sir made it so much easier to bring Tarika to life,” Radhikka said. “His ability to make even the smallest gesture count on screen was something I aspired to achieve. He was always so present in the moment that it felt like we were living our characters rather than just playing them.”
Radhikka also reflected on the special bond that the two shared while filming the movie. Their on-screen father-daughter relationship was rooted in deep emotional moments, and their real-life chemistry on set mirrored that connection. “There were times when the emotions we portrayed were so intense that it was hard to differentiate between what was acting and what was real. The way Irrfan sir and I understood each other without speaking a word, it felt like we were truly father and daughter,” she recalled. “He made sure we didn’t just act, but really felt what we were portraying.”
One of the most poignant aspects of Angrezi Medium was its portrayal of a parent’s selfless love, and this theme resonated with many viewers. For Radhikka, the movie not only allowed her to showcase her acting abilities but also gave her a chance to experience the beautiful complexities of father-daughter relationships through her character’s journey. “The way Champak Bansal’s character nurtures his daughter’s dreams without imposing his own will on her was something I had never seen before,” Radhikka observed. “It was so refreshing to see such a strong and positive father-daughter relationship. I believe that message will continue to inspire generations to come.”
Unfortunately, just after the film’s release, the world was plunged into the COVID-19 pandemic, and shortly afterward, Irrfan Khan passed away following a long battle with cancer. His death came as a massive shock to his fans and the entire film fraternity. Radhikka admitted that it was difficult to accept his passing. “I still can’t believe he’s gone. It’s hard to imagine a world without him. When we were shooting Angrezi Medium, none of us knew it would be his last film. It was so sudden. I remember feeling numb when I heard the news of his death,” Radhikka said, her voice laden with emotion. “I just want to thank him for everything, for the memories, for the lessons. He’s gone, but he’ll always live on through his work.”
As she continues to build her own career in the film industry, Radhikka acknowledges that her time working with Irrfan Khan has influenced her choices as an actor. She has often spoken about how his approach to acting and life has shaped her own philosophy toward her craft. “Irrfan sir always told me, ‘Don’t chase the audience, chase the character. If the character is real, the audience will connect with you.’ His words have stayed with me ever since,” Radhikka noted.
She also took to social media to share a video clip of herself from the Angrezi Medium set, showing a behind-the-scenes moment where Irrfan Khan, known for his wit and dry humor, was making everyone laugh during a particularly tense shooting day. “Even on tough days, he made us laugh with his amazing sense of humor. He always knew how to break the ice and lighten the mood,” Radhikka reflected. “He had this incredible ability to make everyone feel like family. It was one of the things I miss the most.”
For Radhikka, Angrezi Medium remains a significant milestone not only because of the lasting friendship she formed with Irrfan Khan but also because it helped her evolve as an actor. “Before working with him, I was still finding my voice as an actress. But after shooting with him, I feel like I’ve grown in ways I can’t explain. He made me realize that true artistry comes from honesty, and it’s something I try to bring to all my roles,” she said.
The release of Angrezi Medium also had a profound impact on audiences. The movie became a relatable, touching story about family, sacrifice, and chasing dreams, especially in the face of adversity. Its success and subsequent five-year anniversary are a testament to the timeless relevance of the themes explored in the film. For Radhikka, reflecting on the film’s legacy has been a way to honor the memory of an actor whose work continues to inspire and resonate.
As the film industry continues to celebrate the iconic performances of its stars, Irrfan Khan’s legacy will always be remembered with great love and respect. And for Radhikka Madan, who had the privilege of working with him on Angrezi Medium, it is a journey that will remain etched in her heart forever.
Journalist Details
