Happy Birthday Irrfan Khan: From 'Hindi Medium' to 'Life of Pi', 5 times the actor impressed us with his versatility

Irrfan Khan is one of the highly talented stars in Bollywood. The actor carved his niche in the film industry with his acting prowess. With his every film, he managed to steal the show and gave everyone in the industry a run for their money. He is undoubtedly one of the finest actors not only in Bollywood but in Hollywood too. Even since he stepped in Bollywood, he has been receiving praises from all the quarters for his dedication and brilliant performances. As this powerhouse of talent turns a year older today, we bring you some of his on-screen best performances which will leave you impressed!

Irrfan simply left everyone stunned with his acting stint in Paan Singh Tomar (2012). The actor played the role with such a grace that people praised him and said he played like it was written with only him in mind. It was a low budget film and faced a lot of problems, the makers even delayed the release. He played the role of a steeplechase who eventually resorts to arms to get revenge from the corrupt system. The actor went through a major physical transformation to step in the shoes of an athlete.

Irrfan's 'Hindi Medium' is still touted as one of the best family entertainers. The film gave out a strong message and showcased the poor state of the education system in India. He essayed the role of a middle-class man in Chandni Chowk who finds it hard to fit in the elite class. He wants to give his daughter the best education possible but there are a few hurdles in their destiny. The actor's performance was hailed by the audience and his comic timing in the film was spot on.

Over time, a lot of B-town celebs have tried their luck in Bollywood including Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra, Anil Kapoor and many others. Irrfan not won hearts through Bollywood films but also starred in Hollywood movies like' Inferno', Life Of Pi, 'The Namesake', and others. With his stellar performance in 'Life of Pi', the actor become quite a big name in Hollywood too.

Directed by Shoojit Sircar, 'Piku' is based on a father-daughter's relationship. Deepika Padukone essays the role of a single woman who is yearning for a break from her father's hypochondriac behaviour. Amitabh Bachchan plays the father, while Irrfan Khan plays a cab agency owner who drives them to their hometown. I was longing to do something like this. I also wanted to do comedy. Coincidentally, I got both these elements in 'Piku'," Irrfan told PTI.

Irrfan's acting stint in 'Lunchbox' will make you fall in love with him all over again. In the film, he played the role of a middle-aged, government official who falls in love over a series of delicious lunchboxes which comes with letters. He barely shared screen time with Nimrat Kaur, who played the female lead in the film but his reactions on reading her letters alone will leave you gushing.