Bollywood’s versatile actor Irrfan Khan, who won over millions of fans in India and South Asia and among the South Asian diaspora globally with his roles in numerous international and Indian films, is no more. A statement by his spokesperson confirmed the demise of the 54-year-old actor on Wednesday.

"'I trust, i have surrendered'; These were the some of the many words that Irrfan expressed in a heartfelt note he wrote in 2018 opening up about his fight with cancer. And a man of few words and an actor of silent expressions with his deep eyes and his memorable actions on screen. It's saddening that this day, we have to bring forward the news of him passing away. Irrfan was a strong soul, someone who fought till the very end and always inspired everyone who came close to him. After having been struck by lightning in 2018 with the news of a rare cancer, he took life soon after as it came and he fought the many battles that came with it. Surrounded by his love, his family for whom he most cared about, he left for heaven abode, leaving behind truly a legacy of his own. We all pray and hope that he is at peace. And to resonate and part with his words he had said, 'As if I was tasting life for the first time, the magical side of it," said the statement, confirming the news of the actor's death.

On Tuesday, Irrfan was admitted to Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani hospital with a colon infection. Although a statement issued by his spokesperson in the early hours of Wednesday had dispelled rumours about his health condition, the confirmation of his demise came later in the day.

Expressing condolences to Irrfan Khan's family, filmmaker Shoojit Sircar tweeted Wednesday morning: "My dear friend Irfaan. You fought and fought and fought. I will always be proud of you.. we shall meet again.. condolences to Sutapa and Babil.. you too fought, Sutapa you gave everything possible in this fight. Peace and Om shanti. Irfaan Khan salute."

Shoojit Sircar had directed Irrfan in his 2015 movie "Piku" which also starred Deepika Padukone and Amitabh Bachchan.

The actor has been ailing ever since he was diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumour a while back, and has been under medical attention for the same. He even went abroad for treatment.

On the work front, Irrfan Khan was last seen in "Angrezi Medium", last-released Bollywood film before COVID-19 forced complete shutdown of cinema halls. "Angrezi Medium" ran in theatres for just a day before halls all over India were shut down.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote: "Irrfan Khan's demise is a loss to the world of cinema and theatre. He will be remembered for his versatile performances across different mediums. My thoughts are with his family, friends and admirers. May his soul rest in peace."

German Ambassador to India Walter J. Lindner took to social media to express his condolence at the demise of Irrfan Khan.

"Very sad news: world-known Bollywood (Slum Dog Millionaire) and Hollywood (Jurassic World) actor #IrrfanKhan died today! An incredible talent and prolific cinema-contributor. Many scenes of Slumdog Millionaire authentically filmed at Mumbai's Dharavi. Went there recently,"Linder tweeted.

 The sudden demise of actor Irrfan Khan not only jolted the Indian film industry, but sent shock waves internationally as well. Popular celebrities Riz Ahmed and Ava DuVernay lead the charge in condoling his death, remembering him for his exceptional talent.

"Venom" star Riz Ahmed took to Twitter to mourn his demise, saying that Irrfan was a "guiding light for so many of us".

He continued: "If you've not seen his work, watch ‘The Lunchbox' or ‘The Warrior'. A true artist who spanned Bollywood and Hollywood and was acclaimed in both. His words in a letter to a newspaper about his illness are a reminder of his beautiful mind and of life's fragility. His work will live on."

"When They See Us" creator Ava DuVernay also posted an emotional message along with a picture of the actor.

"A grateful fan of #IrrfanKhan here. Gone too soon. When he is on screen, you can't take your eyes off of him. He lives on in his films," she posted.

To DuVernay's post, "Rise Of The Guardians" and "Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse" director Peter Ramsey commented: "I can't believe it. A genius. So great in THE LUNCHBOX. I'm devastated."

With projects like "Paan Singh Tomar", "Piku", "Talvar", "The Lunchbox", "Maqbool", and "7 Khoon Maaf", Irrfan carved a name for himself in Hindi cinema. He has gradually established himself in the West too. He featured in foreign films like "The Namesake", "Life of Pi", "A Mighty Heart", "Slumdog Millionaire',"The Amazing Spider-Man", "Inferno" and "Jurassic World".

Irrfan featured alongside Hollywood actors such as Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard in "Jurassic World". The film's director, Colin Trevorrow, shared a heartfelt message along with a happy image of Irrfan.

"Deeply sad to have lost #IrrfanKhan. A thoughtful man who found beauty in the world around him, even in pain. In our last correspondence, he asked me to remember "the wonderful aspects of our existence" in the darkest of days. Here he is, laughing," he tweeted.

The British Film Institute also mourned his death through a post on its Twitter account."We're deeply saddened to hear that Bollywood legend Irrfan Khan has passed away," read the post.