Shoojit Sircar Says Irrfan Couldn’t Battle His Illness Mentally, Shares He Decided To Make I Want To Talk After The Actor's Death

Filmmaker Shoojit Sircar says that his latest film, 'I Want To Talk' was deeply influenced by a personal experience and his emotional journey following the loss of his close friend Irrfan Khan. 

Shoojit Sircar says that his latest film, 'I Want To Talk' was deeply influenced by a personal experience.

Source : Instagram/@shoojitsircar, @Irrfan

Filmmaker Shoojit Sircar's latest film, 'I Want To Talk', has garnered positive reviews since its release in theatres last week. Shoojit shared that the film’s premise was deeply influenced by a personal experience and his emotional journey following the loss of his close friend Irrfan Khan. 

In a conversation with ETimes, Shoojit revealed that he often spoke with Irrfan during the actor’s battle with cancer. Shoojit and Irrfan shared a memorable professional relationship, having worked together in the acclaimed film 'Piku'. 

Inspiration behind I Want To Talk

Opening up about the inspiration behind ‘I Want To Talk’, Shoojit explained, “A friend of mine faced this situation but did not let it break him. When Irrfan was diagnosed with cancer, I spoke to him often. However, he couldn’t battle it mentally. My friend, on the other hand, didn’t surrender. I decided to make this film after Irrfan's passing, for those who struggle mentally in such situations. It is not about Irrfan specifically but about anyone facing a mental health challenge.” 

Shoojit also spoke warmly about Irrfan's son, Babil Khan, who has been carving his own path in the film industry. “I've spoken a lot about Irrfan but my focus is now on Babil. I feel responsible for guiding him, giving him confidence and supporting him,” Shoojit said. 

‘I Want To Talk’ features Abhishek Bachchan in the lead role as Arjun, a man preparing for a life-altering surgery while navigating a turbulent relationship with his daughter. The cast also includes Johny Lever, Ahilya Bamroo, and Banita Sandhu, adding layers to the emotional narrative. 

Irrfan Khan passed away in 2020 after a two-year battle with a neuroendocrine tumour, leaving an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Babil made his acting debut two years later in Anvita Dutt's psychological drama ‘Qala’ and further impressed audiences with his performance in the web series ‘The Railway Men’ (2023), alongside Divyendu Sharma, Kay Kay Menon, and Madhavan.