Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan, who was undergoing treatment for colon infection at the Kokilaben Dhirubai Ambani hospital in Mumbai, has passed away at the age of 54. Irrfan was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour in 2018.

An official statement from the actor's representative read, "'I trust, I have surrendered,' these were the some of the many words that Irrfan expressed in a heart felt 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.'"

Bollywood director Shoojit Sircar shared the news of the actor's death a few minutes ago on Twitter. "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," his post read.

Irrfan Khan went through his cancer treatment in the UK during 2019 and stayed away from the public eye during that period. Upon his return to India the same year, he shot for "Angrezi Medium", the sequel to his 2017 hit "Hindi Medium." The movie hit the theatres on March 25, right before the nationwide lockdown. Irrfan lost his 95-year-old mother Saeeda Begum in Jaipur just three days ago and could not attend the funeral over the coronavirus lockdown as well.

The award-winning actor is best known for his roles in Maqbool, Piku, Life of Pi, Inferno, and Slumdog Millionaire, among several others. Irrfan earned a National Award for his powerful performance in the sports drama 'Paan Singh Tomar.'