This actor wanted to be cricketer, once struggled for Rs 300, worked as AC mechanic; later earned Rs 25000 crore from…

From Amitabh Bachchan to Shah Rukh Khan, many Bollywood actors have seen days of intense struggle before they made it big in the industry. One such actor, who became a superstar, wanted to be a cricketer. However, due to lack of money, he gave up on his dreams. 

The actor we are talking about has given several hits and blockbusters in his career spanning over 30 years. Not only in Bollywood, but he also made a name for himself in Hollywood despite being an outsider. He is Irrfan Khan. 

Irrfan Khan was an Indian actor who worked in Indian cinema as well as British and American films. Widely regarded as one of the finest actors in world cinema. From National Film Award to Asian Film Award, the actor won many accolades in his career. He was one of the most successful Khans of Bollywood. 

Irrfan was born in Tonk, Rajasthan into a Muslim family of Pathan ancestry. He wanted to become a cricketer, however, due to lack of funds, he gave up on his dream and took up acting. In an interview with the Telegraph India, Irrfan had admitted his desire to become a cricketer while in early twenties. In fact, he was also selected to play in the CK Nayudu Trophy, but lack of funds saw him miss out. He said, "I played cricket. I wanted to become a cricketer. I was an all-rounder and the youngest one in my team in Jaipur. I wanted to make a career out of it. I was selected for the CK Nayudu tournament I think and then I needed money and didn’t know who to ask. That day I decided I cannot pursue it. I couldn’t have asked for Rs 600 at that time." 

Not only this, there was also a time when he found it difficult to arrange Rs 300. When he took admission in the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD), he needed Rs 300. While he himself didn't have that money either, it was his sister who arranged for the funds for him. He said, “I needed Rs 300 for National School of Drama, which was difficult for me. My sister finally got it for me." 

Irrfan Khan was one of the few Indian actors who was accepted and respected globally due to his appearance in several Hollywood blockbusters and Oscar-winning films. His American films like The Amazing Spider-Man, Slumdog Millionaire and Life of Pi and others have earned a collective $2.5 billion which roughly translates to Rs 22,350 crore and if we add his Hindi films like Hindi Medium, Piku, Gunday and more, his total collection comes to Rs 25000 crore. 

Irrfan Khan battled cancer in 2010 and passed away in April 2020 at the age of 53. His son Babil Khan is now taking his legacy forward. He has appeared in few films like Qala, and series like The Railway Men and has impressed audience with his performances. 

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