First time after Irrfan Khan’s death, wife Sutapa steps out; Gives emotional speech

On Friday, late Irrfan Khan’s wife Sutapa Sikdar and son Babil Khan attended the 51st International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. The festival paid a heartfelt tribute to the late actor by screening his film Paan Singh Tomar. Irrfan died in 2020 after a two year battle with cancer.

Babil took to his Instagram story to share a video of his mother delivering an emotionally stirring speech at the IFFI stage. Sharing the video, he wrote: "I was raised by two legends, not one.”

At the event,  Sutapa and son Babil were honoured post the special screening of Paan Singh Tomar. Sutapa got emotional and gave a heartfelt speech wherein she said;

“It feels nice that we are here to celebrate a person and IFFI couldn't have chosen a better film(Paan Singh Tomar). Because this film talks about race, an athlete. To quote a dialogue from the film by Irrfan, ‘Ek race hota hai na, usko poora karna padta hai, chahe haar ho ya chahe jeet. Woh door ek finish line hota hai usse chhoona padta hai.’ Irrfan 's finish line came too soon but he played well. We are proud of you.”

Sutapa also mentioned that this is the first time she stepped outside after her husband Irrfan Khan’s demise. 

“It's a special moment because it is an honour and privilege to be appreciated and be given a tribute by the same institute, same IFFI. I am happy to be here. It was a brave decision. It is the first time I have come out of home. But I had to. One also needs closure to walk ahead and IFFI is a closure for me. It is like being there for what we had done 30 years ago as students. I am happy that people are here which is an exceptional situation in time” she added.

Paan Singh Tomar is a film by Tigmanshu Dhulia starring Irrfan Khan in the title role, who plays the real life national champion athlete and Army jawan who became a dacoit.