As Angrezi Medium marks its fifth anniversary on March 13, 2025, Radhikka Madan, the film’s talented lead actress, took to social media to pay a heartfelt tribute to the late, legendary actor Irrfan Khan, who played a pivotal role in the movie. The film, released in 2020, was not just another Bollywood comedy-drama but a deeply moving story of a father’s boundless love for his daughter. For Radhikka, the film not only solidified her place in the industry but also introduced her to one of the most influential mentors she could have ever had—the incomparable Irrfan Khan.
The iconic actor’s portrayal of Champak Bansal, a simple man whose world revolves around his daughter Tarika (Radhikka’s character), was profound and touching. It was a fitting final performance from the actor who had spent decades building an unparalleled legacy in Indian cinema and globally. Sadly, Angrezi Medium was one of his last films before he passed away in April 2020, leaving a void in both the film industry and in the hearts of millions of fans.
Reflecting on their collaboration, Radhikka shared her emotional journey working with Irrfan, expressing her admiration and fondness for him. “I still can’t believe it’s been five years since Angrezi Medium came out. It feels like it was just yesterday that I had the honor of working alongside Irrfan sir. His presence on set was like no other,” Radhikka wrote in her tribute. “Working with him not only shaped my career but also impacted my life in ways I could never have imagined. He was a true genius.”
Radhikka, who made her Bollywood debut with Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota (2018), was a newcomer compared to the seasoned actor that Irrfan was. The experience of working with him in Angrezi Medium was one that she will never forget. “I remember the first day I met him on set,” Radhikka recalled in an interview. “I was overwhelmed by his stature, and I was so nervous. But Irrfan sir had this incredible ability to make you feel completely at ease. It was like you were working with a friend, not just a superstar. He made every scene feel like a journey we were both on together.”
Their on-screen father-daughter chemistry was not only authentic but also emotionally compelling. Radhikka recalled how their relationship was built on mutual respect and a deep understanding. “We both knew the weight of the story we were telling—about a father’s unrelenting love for his daughter and the sacrifices parents make for their children. It was something that came naturally to us,” she explained. “Irrfan sir had a way of making even the smallest moments feel profound. He would bring depth and humanity to every scene, even when it seemed like there was no dialogue.”
For Radhikka, the most important lessons came not only from watching Irrfan on screen but also from his off-screen presence. “The way he carried himself, the humility with which he approached his work, and the way he treated everyone around him—these are the things that stood out the most to me,” Radhikka shared. “I learned so much from him, not just about acting but about life itself. He taught me that acting isn’t just about hitting the right notes—it’s about honesty, vulnerability, and truly understanding the character.”
During their time on set, Radhikka noticed how Irrfan would always be willing to help his co-stars, even though he was a seasoned actor with years of experience. “Irrfan sir would always take the time to help and guide me whenever I was uncertain. He never made me feel like I was just a co-actor; he treated me as an equal,” she explained. “There were so many moments when I felt nervous, but his calm demeanor would always bring me back to the moment. His advice was always rooted in simplicity and truth. He made me realize that acting is about being completely in tune with your emotions and the people you are working with.”
Their shared love for the story of Angrezi Medium was also a big factor in their chemistry on screen. The film dealt with universal themes of parental love, selflessness, and dreams, which resonated deeply with both Radhikka and Irrfan. “The character of Champak was so selfless, and it was one of the most beautiful portrayals of a father’s love that I have seen in cinema,” Radhikka said. “I could relate to the father-daughter relationship we were portraying, especially with the kind of dedication Irrfan sir brought to the role. It was truly special.”
Despite the film’s success and the emotional depth of their performances, the world was soon plunged into the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected the global film industry. Just a short while after the film’s release, the heartbreaking news came that Irrfan Khan had passed away. The news was devastating for Radhikka, who had become close to him during the making of the film. “I still haven’t fully come to terms with his loss. We had just finished promoting Angrezi Medium, and it felt like the world stopped when I heard the news of his passing,” Radhikka admitted. “He had so much more to give, so much more to offer. It felt like a part of me was lost too.”
In her tribute, Radhikka also shared how the loss of Irrfan had affected her work and the way she approached her career. “After his passing, I kept thinking about everything he taught me. His work ethic, his approach to acting, and the way he made his characters come to life with so much depth—these are things that continue to inspire me every day,” she said. “I miss him as a co-actor, as a mentor, and as a friend, but I know that his legacy lives on in everything he did.”
The journey of Angrezi Medium had a profound impact on both Radhikka’s personal and professional growth. “Before working with Irrfan sir, I was just beginning to find my footing in the industry. But after working with him, I understood what it truly meant to be an actor—to live the role, to understand the character’s motivations, and to trust the process,” she explained. “It changed the way I approach acting and life in general.”
As the anniversary of Angrezi Medium approaches, Radhikka has been reflecting on the impact that the film had on audiences. The film’s exploration of dreams, family, and the lengths to which a parent will go for their child, resonated with viewers worldwide, making it a cultural touchstone. “It’s amazing to see how the film continues to touch people’s hearts,” Radhikka said. “The love people have for Angrezi Medium and for Irrfan sir’s performance is overwhelming. It reminds me of how much he meant to the world.”
In the years since the film’s release, Radhikka has grown both as an actor and as a person. But one thing remains constant: the influence Irrfan Khan had on her life. “Whenever I face challenges in my career, I think of Irrfan sir’s words—‘Keep doing the work, the rest will follow.’ Those words keep me grounded and focused,” she shared. “Even though he’s no longer here, I feel his presence in my work. His legacy lives on in every film, in every performance that touches hearts.”
Radhikka’s tribute to Irrfan Khan is a beautiful reminder of the lasting impact that a great actor can have on not only the film industry but on the lives of the people they work with. As Angrezi Medium celebrates its fifth anniversary, the bond between Radhikka and Irrfan will continue to live on, not just through the film, but through the lessons, memories, and the love they shared during their time together.
“Thank you, Irrfan sir, for everything,” Radhikka concluded in her tribute. “You will always be remembered, and your work will continue to inspire generations to come.”
