Thanks for everything…

An unexpected support, few minutes of conversation and a life-long memory is what Irrfan Khan will always be for me, writes Sumeet Naik

In 2004, I got an opportunity to cover an overseas entertainment event, despite not being my beat as a journalist. No doubt, movies and songs were an integral part of my leisure time then, but never a professional regime. It was also my first opportunity to travel abroad and Dubai being the most happening destination I could not thank enough my stars as I boarded the flight.

On arrival at the Dubai airport something unexpected happened which was equally scary for a first timer like me. An emigration officer asked me to step aside as there were some visa formalities, which had to be completed. Having previously read about detention and deportation, the air-conditioned lobby at Dubai Airport could not be of much help to calm down my nerves.

As I sat down on one of the chairs put outside the Emigration Officer’s cabin, a tap on my shoulder and very soft voice greeted me by saying, “Aree yaar, tum bhi”. I looked aside to see none other than Irrfan Khan sitting next to me with a smile on his face as if he knew me since ages. That moment I did not know what to say, because here was the man who had already made his presence felt on screen with a British film ‘The Warrior’, ‘Haasil’ and ‘Maqbool’, who sensing nervousness on my face was trying to uplift my morale by striking a conversation.  

“Tension maat lo, mein bhi tumhare saath hi hoon. Passport pe thappa marke apneko jane denge,” Irrfan was trying to explain it to me. Moreover, as a star struck fan I was just smiling and nodding my head forgetting anything and everything that was happening around me.

As we got into conversation, he asked me about which publication I worked for and I asked him about his forthcoming films. Until then, an Arab official came out from the cabin and holding just one passport in hand, looked towards both of us, and again at the passport loudly said, “Amitabh Bachchan, tum dono mein se, kaun hai Amitabh Bachchan.” We both looked at each other laughing, while Irrfan pointed his finger towards me. Next minute, the jovial Arab official called out my real name and while handing over my passport told me that everything had been cleared and I can proceed towards the exit.

As I stood up, Irrfan said, “Bhai mere liye bahar rukna, kya maloom mere liye gadi hai bhi ya nahin. Varna mein tere saath aaunga.” He said it with such an ease without an iota of stardom that I actually did not want to leave him there and move ahead. Once again sensing my dilemma, he signaled me to proceed ahead and assured me that he too would be out soon.

As I stepped out of the airport, I could see chauffer holding a placard with Irrfan Khan written on it. However, I could not see anyone looking out for me, not even my fellow companions who had travelled with me from Mumbai or anyone from the event organisers.

“Kya hua, tuzhe saab chhod ke chale gaye kya? Tu chaal mere saath,” shouted Irrfan, who too had come out and knew his car was waiting for him.

“Aap niklo aage, aapka resort alag hai aur humara alag. Sham ko event pe milte hai,” that was what I could only say. Just then, one of the event management person had come back to the airport looking out for me.

Asked him to wait for a minute, I walked towards Irrfan and extended my hand towards him said, “Thanks for everything.” Sitting in the car he said, “Pagaal hai kya. Chal sham ko milte hai”.

We never met after that, not even that particular evening. Every time I happen to see Irrfan Khan on screen, I always remembered this one particular incident. In those few minutes of interaction, he made a special place in my heart, as he did in the hearts of millions.

(Writer was former News Editor with The Free Press Journal (Mumbai) and currently a columnist)