'We hope he’s in a better place': Irrfan Khan laid to rest in private funeral in Mumbai hours after his death

The news of his death has saddened the film industry around the world, with Priyanka Chopra, Natalie Portman and Angelina Jolie among those paying tribute

Actor Irrfan Khan at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival on Wednesday, October 20, 2010. Delores Johnson / The National

Irrfan Khan at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival in 2013. Sarah Dea / The National

Irrfan Khan played billionaire investor Masrani in 2015's 'Jurassic World'.

Irrfan Khan in 2016 film 'Madaari'

In 2013 drama 'Qissa'

At the 2013 Abu Dhabi Film Festival

In the acclaimed 2013 film 'Lunchbox'

Arriving at the 2008 Film Independent's Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, California, February 23, 2008, where he was up for best supporting actor for 'The Namesake'. Reuters

In the 2017 film 'Hindi Medium' with Saba Qamar

British actor Sir Patrick Stewart and Indian actor Irrfan Khan pose during a photo call at the Dubai International Film Festival in Dubai in 2017. AFP

Irrfan Khan and Saba Qamar in Hindi Medium. Courtesy T-Series and Maddock Films

Irrfan Khan, Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, and Anil Kapoor pose with their awards for Outstanding Cast in a Motion Picture for 'Slumdog Millionaire' in the press room at the 15th Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2009. EPA

Dulqer Salman, Mithila Palkar and Irrfan Khan in South Indian 2018 road film 'Karwaan'

Irrfan Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika Padukone in 2015's 'Piku'

Irrfan Khan was laid to rest in a private funeral in Mumbai hours after his death.

The legendary Indian actor, 53, died in the early hours of Wednesday, April 29, after being admitted to hospital with a colon infection. The actor was battling cancer since 2018.

His family confirmed that his last rites were carried out surrounded by his closest friends and relatives at 3pm on Wednesday afternoon. "Irrfan was buried at the Versova Kabrastan in Mumbai ... soon after the news of his passing away was announced," his family said. "In presence were his family, close relatives and friends. Everyone paid their final respects and mourned the loss of his passing away. We pray for his peace and we hope he's in a better place today."

The news of his death shocked and saddened the film industry across the world, with dozens of his co-stars and peers paying tribute to the star.

Priyanka Chopra shared a touching tribute on Twitter, saying: “The charisma you brought to everything you did was pure magic. Your talent forged the way for so many in so many avenues.”

Angelina Jolie, who stared alongside Khan in A Mighty Heart, said: "He stood out for his generosity as an artist, which made it a pleasure to work in any scene with him.

“I remember the intensity of his commitment, and equally his smile. I send my condolences and my sympathy to his family, his friends, and all admirers of his work in India and, around the world."

Natalie Portman was also among the stars to pay tribute, sharing a photo of the pair from the 2009 film New York, I Love You. "Sending love to Irrfan Khan's loved ones today," the actress wrote.

Khan was one of the biggest names in the Indian entertainment industry, starting out in the 1980s in smaller roles in TV serials and movies. But the film that really propelled him to lead-actor status was 2012's Paan Singh Tomar.

His biggest films include The Lunchbox, Hindi Medium, Piku and Haider. His last film, Angrezi Medium, came out earlier this year.

A true crossover star, Khan was one of the most recognised Indian actors to those more familiar with Hollywood movies. He also appeared in Life of Pi, Slumdog Millionaire, Jurassic World, The Amazing Spider-Man, A Mighty Heart and The Darjeeling Limited.

He is survived by his wife, Sutapa Sikdar, and their two sons, Babil and Ayan. Khan first met Sikdar while studying theatre at the National School of Drama in Delhi, and they married in 1995.