Indian fans thank Bafta for emotional tributes to Irrfan Khan and Rishi Kapoor

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Indian fans of Irrfan Khan and Rishi Kapoor are overwhelmed at the moving tribute paid by the 74th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) to the late Bollywood actors in their “in memoriam” segment on Sunday.

Both actors died in 2020 after battling cancer.

Numerous fans from India took to social media to express gratitude towards BAFTA for including the Bollywood legends alongside other actors such as Sean Connery, Kirk Douglas, and Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman.

Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh was also a part of the tribute.

The homage was in the form of a video dedicated to over 40 entities from the entertainment industry across the globe who lost their lives in the past 12 months.

One fan wrote on Twitter: “Proud moment for India! Remembering Irrfan Khan just makes me miss him even more. What a legend. One of the best actors in my mind.”

Another fan wrote: “What a proud moment for Bollywood! BAFTA pays tribute to the late actors Rishi Kapoor and Irrfan Khan in their ‘In Memorium’ segment.

“EEBAFTAs remembering Irrfan Khan just makes me miss him even more. What a legend! So many great legends have left us. Chadwick Boseman, Dame Barbara Windsor, Sean Connery. It hurts to see this,” wrote another fan.

Bollywood industry’s most reputable award ceremony Filmfare also took to Twitter mentioning: “#BAFTA pays tribute to Irrfan Khan and Rishi Kapoor.”

Khan has featured in Bollywood movies like Paan Singh Tomar, The Lunch Box, Piku, and Angrezi Medium, while Kapoor has featured in films like Bobby (1973), Hum Kisi Se Kam Nahi (1977), Kapoor & Sons, and D Day.

Khan also performed in international features like Slumdog Millionaire, Life of Pi, The Namesake, Jurrasic World (2015), The Warrior, and A Mighty Heart.

Kapoor was to star in the Bollywood remake of The Intern to play the part of Ben Whittaker, Robert De Nero’s character.