As the sixth death anniversary of Irrfan Khan is remembered this April, the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre is set to present A Story That Refused to Die, a documentary by Ranjeeta Kaur. The film pieces together rare and previously unseen footage from the making of Paan Singh Tomar, bringing back moments that were once nearly lost. What emerges is a quiet, reflective tribute that captures the spirit of an artist through fragments that have stood the test of time.
Known for his remarkable depth on screen, Irrfan’s performance in Paan Singh Tomar remains one of his most celebrated works, earning him the National Award for Best Actor. This documentary, however, moves away from the spotlight of the final film and instead focuses on the in-between moments, his thought process, silences and the subtle details that shaped his craft, offering a more intimate look at the actor behind the role.
Beyond this film, Irrfan Khan built a career that stood out for its range and restraint, moving effortlessly between Indian cinema and international projects like The Lunchbox, Hindi Medium and Life of Pi. In 2018, he was diagnosed with a rare neuroendocrine tumour, a battle he faced with quiet strength while continuing to stay connected to his craft. He passed away on April 29, 2020, leav
Backed by Angad Films and Tigmanshu Dhulia Films, and directed by Ranjeeta Kaur, the documentary will have its first screening on 29 April 2026 at NMACC. The event will also include a panel discussion featuring Tigmanshu Dhulia and Vishal Bhardwaj, with the conversation moderated by Saurabh Dwivedi.
In a time when cinema often leans towards scale and spectacle, A Story That Refused to Die takes a more personal route. It preserves fleeting, behind-the-scenes glimpses of Irrfan Khan, capturing not just the performer audiences admired, but the person and process that made his work so enduring.
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