Radhikka Madan Fondly Recalls Her Time with Irrfan Khan on Angrezi Medium’s 5th Anniversary

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As the fifth anniversary of Angrezi Medium rolls around on March 13, 2025, Radhikka Madan, the film’s leading lady, took to social media to honor and remember her late co-star, the legendary Irrfan Khan. The film, which was released in 2020, was not just another movie; it was an emotional journey that resonated deeply with audiences. And for Radhikka, the film remains an unforgettable experience not only because of its emotional core but because of the incredible man she had the privilege of working alongside—one of the finest actors of Indian cinema, Irrfan Khan.

Irrfan Khan’s portrayal of Champak Bansal, a father who embarks on a heartfelt journey to London to fulfill his daughter’s dreams, was not only a testament to his acting genius but also a tribute to his own philosophy of life. Angrezi Medium was one of the last films that featured the actor before he passed away in April 2020, following a battle with neuroendocrine cancer. In the wake of his loss, Radhikka has often spoken of how much it meant to her to have worked with him and how the experience changed her as an actor.

In her tribute, Radhikka shared how her first major film with Irrfan Khan became a formative moment in her career. “The five-year journey of Angrezi Medium has been such a significant one for me. I will always remember it for the chance I had to work alongside Irrfan sir,” she wrote. “He was not just an actor to look up to; he was someone who guided me and made me see acting in a way I had never thought about before.”

Radhikka, known for her roles in films like Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota (2018) and Shiddat (2021), was still a rising star when she was cast in Angrezi Medium. The film, directed by Homi Adajania, tells the story of a father’s determination to get his daughter into an English university abroad, and the lengths he goes to for her, despite the odds. This heartfelt portrayal of parent-child love was both a departure from conventional Bollywood family dramas and a refreshing take on the universal struggle to achieve one’s dreams.

For Radhikka, playing Tarika, the daughter of the loving and determined Champak, was an emotional journey in itself. But it was the time spent with Irrfan on set that left an everlasting imprint on her heart. “I remember my first day on set with him. I was nervous, to be honest. Here was this incredibly talented actor, someone who had been in films like Piku and Life of Pi, and I was a newcomer,” Radhikka recalled. “But Irrfan sir had this way of making everyone feel like they were part of something bigger, part of a family. He made me feel like we were equals, no matter where we were in our careers.”

The chemistry between the two on screen was undeniable. Their portrayal of father and daughter was so natural and heartfelt that it made viewers feel as though they were watching real-life father-daughter dynamics play out in front of them. “Our bond on screen was so authentic because it mirrored the respect and affection we had for each other off-screen,” Radhikka shared. “He made the journey of playing Tarika such an organic experience. Working with him was like going on a journey together; we were constantly learning from each other.”

Radhikka also spoke about the way Irrfan’s approach to his craft taught her important lessons that she carries with her to this day. “Irrfan sir wasn’t just an actor; he was an artist in the truest sense. He never treated acting as a job. For him, it was about delving deep into the character, understanding the emotions, and bringing that out in a way that felt real and raw,” she explained. “The way he connected with his character, the way he allowed his emotions to breathe, was something I had never seen before. It taught me the importance of authenticity in acting.”

One of the things Radhikka fondly remembers was Irrfan’s ability to make everyone feel comfortable, even on the most challenging days of shooting. “There were times when we had to shoot really emotionally draining scenes, and those moments could have been heavy, but Irrfan sir’s lightness, his sense of humor, always managed to cut through the tension,” she recalled. “He would crack jokes between takes, lighten the mood, and remind us that it’s okay to enjoy the process.”

Radhikka’s admiration for Irrfan wasn’t just limited to his professional brilliance; she also spoke about the personal values he instilled in her during their time together. “He was the kind of person who never let his success define him. Despite being one of the biggest stars in the industry, he remained grounded, humble, and always eager to learn. That humility was something I’ve tried to incorporate into my own life,” Radhikka shared. “There are so many things I learned from him, both on and off the set. One of the most important things he taught me was how to keep going, no matter what. He was always determined, never gave up, and believed in following through.”

The emotional journey that Angrezi Medium took audiences on also left a deep impact on Radhikka. The film dealt with themes of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of dreams, and it was a story that many people, particularly those who have parents with great aspirations for their children, could relate to. “I think the beauty of Angrezi Medium lies in its universal message. Every parent, regardless of where they come from, wants the best for their child. In Champak’s case, he was willing to do anything for his daughter’s future,” she reflected. “The relationship between Champak and Tarika is one that many people can identify with. It’s the kind of love that transcends everything—distance, challenges, and even the toughest of situations.”

The film’s poignant portrayal of the father-daughter relationship struck a chord with millions of viewers, and it resonated with people of all ages. Radhikka was particularly proud of how the movie was received by audiences and critics alike. However, the film’s bittersweet ending, along with the loss of its lead actor, made it all the more emotional. “It’s hard to believe that Irrfan sir is no longer with us. After the film was released, we were all still processing the film’s success when we heard the news of his passing,” she said. “It felt like a part of me went with him. It’s still difficult to accept, but the only way I know how to cope with his loss is by carrying forward the lessons he gave me.”

As Radhikka continues to grow in her acting career, she often finds herself looking back at her experience working with Irrfan and how it helped shape her approach to her roles. “It was an experience that I will never forget. Every time I face a challenge in my career or life, I think about how he handled adversity with grace. I think about how he brought joy and authenticity to every role he played, no matter how difficult the circumstances were,” Radhikka said. “I strive to embody some of that strength and sincerity in everything I do.”

The fifth anniversary of Angrezi Medium not only allows Radhikka to reflect on the film’s legacy but also serves as a reminder of the incredible influence that Irrfan Khan had on the people he worked with. “Irrfan sir’s legacy will always live on, not just through his films but through the way he impacted our lives. He made us believe in the power of storytelling, in the magic of cinema,” Radhikka said, with a sense of deep respect in her voice.

As Angrezi Medium continues to be celebrated by audiences worldwide, Radhikka Madan’s memories of working with Irrfan Khan remain a testament to the powerful bond they shared and the invaluable lessons she took away from their time together. It’s a reminder that great actors not only leave behind a body of work but also shape the people around them with their talent, humility, and love for their craft.

And as Radhikka embarks on new projects in her career, she knows that the memories and the wisdom she gained from Irrfan Khan will always be by her side, guiding her through every step of her journey.

Journalist Details

Jitendra Kumar

Jitendra Kumar is an Indian journalist and social activist from Hathras in Uttar Pradesh is known as the senior journalist and founder of Xpert Times Network Private Limited.