Honouring Irrfan Khan: Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre Presents A Story That Refused To Die

Mumbai, April 2026: Marking the sixth death anniversary of Irrfan Khan, the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) presents A Story That Refused to Die, a documentary by Ranjeeta Kaur that brings back rare, unseen moments of the legendary actor during the making of Paan Singh Tomar. Drawn from nearly lost footage, the film emerges as a quiet but determined act of preservation and perseverance-holding on to fleeting, deeply human fragments of an irreplaceable artist at work.

Widely regarded as one of Indian cinema's finest performers, Irrfan Khan brought an unmatched depth to Paan Singh Tomar, earning the National Award for Best Actor. This documentary shifts the lens away from the finished performance to the fragile, unguarded spaces behind it-capturing his silences, his process, and precious moments that now feel invaluable.

Directed by Ranjeeta Kaur and produced by Angad Films and Tigmanshu Dhulia Films, the documentary will be screened for the first time on 29th April 2026 at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Tigmanshu Dhulia and Vishal Bhardwaj, in conversation with Saurabh Dwivedi.

Sharing the promo of the documentary, Tigmanshu Dhulia said, "The journey of making Paan Singh Tomar went through its share of storms, but Hemingway said it right, "Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light." Making Paan Singh Tomar wouldn't have been possible without my strongest confidant, Irrfan. And now, it's been six years without him, but just like the title of this documentary, 'A story that refused to die', Irrfan's contribution to cinema remains eternal. With nearly lost footage now restored, this special documentary will be screened for the first time in 14 years."

Ranjeeta Kaur, director of the documentary, added, "I was very fortunate to have been part of a masterpiece in the making. The experience was so powerful that it steered me towards my own path in cinema. Undoubtedly, it was the power of resilience that I took from the journey of Paan Singh Tomar that kept me from giving up. This documentary is my salute to Paan Singh Tomar, to Irrfan Khan, and to the power of cinema."

In an age driven by spectacle, A Story That Refused to Die preserves rare moments of Irrfan Khan-capturing the artist beyond the performance.