As Angrezi Medium celebrates its fifth anniversary on March 13, 2025, Radhikka Madan, who played the leading role of Tarika Bansal in the film, took a moment to reflect on her unforgettable experience working with the legendary Irrfan Khan. The film, which was released in 2020, is a heartfelt tale of a father’s dedication to his daughter’s dreams. For Radhikka, it was more than just a film; it was a learning experience and an emotional journey that introduced her to one of the finest actors in Indian cinema.
Angrezi Medium was one of Irrfan Khan’s last films before his untimely passing in 2020, and it was a bittersweet experience for both the cast and the audience. Irrfan, who portrayed the role of Champak Bansal, a father who embarks on a journey to London to help his daughter fulfill her dreams of studying abroad, delivered one of his most memorable performances. The film, directed by Homi Adajania, garnered widespread acclaim for its emotional depth, and it has become a lasting tribute to Irrfan’s extraordinary legacy.
For Radhikka, working with Irrfan Khan was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As a relatively new actor in the industry, she was both nervous and excited about sharing screen space with one of India’s finest talents. But it didn’t take long for her to realize that Irrfan’s warmth and generosity on set made the experience a truly special one. In a heartfelt post to mark the film’s anniversary, Radhikka reflected on how working with Irrfan changed her life, both as an actor and as an individual.
“I still remember the first time I walked onto the set of Angrezi Medium,” Radhikka wrote. “I was excited, yes, but I was also nervous. Here I was, a newcomer, about to work alongside someone like Irrfan sir. But he immediately put me at ease. He was so welcoming, so kind. It was as if he could sense my anxiety and wanted to make me feel comfortable. It’s one of the first lessons I learned from him—how to make others feel valued and seen.”
The bond between Radhikka and Irrfan’s characters in Angrezi Medium—that of a father and daughter—was integral to the emotional core of the film. Champak’s love and sacrifice for his daughter, Tarika, were central to the story, and their onscreen chemistry was deeply touching. For Radhikka, playing Tarika was an emotional journey, and her connection with Irrfan on set made the portrayal of their relationship even more authentic.
“To me, the father-daughter relationship was the heart of the film,” Radhikka said. “It wasn’t just about the storyline; it was about the feelings, the sacrifices, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with wanting the best for your child. Working with Irrfan sir made that connection come to life. He was so natural, so real in his portrayal of Champak that it felt like we had known each other for years. The love he showed for Tarika on screen mirrored the respect and affection we had for each other off-screen.”
Radhikka went on to share that one of the most valuable lessons she learned from Irrfan was the importance of honesty and depth in acting. “Irrfan sir taught me that acting isn’t about pretending; it’s about feeling, about truly becoming the character you’re portraying,” she explained. “He always said that you should never stop learning, no matter how many years you’ve been in the industry. His commitment to his craft was evident in every scene he did. He made it look so effortless, but we all knew the amount of thought, dedication, and care he put into every role.”
For Radhikka, one of the most memorable aspects of working with Irrfan was his humility and generosity. Despite being one of the most respected actors in the world, he never let his success go to his head. “Irrfan sir was someone who never boasted about his accomplishments,” she recalled. “He had this quiet confidence about him. He didn’t need to be the center of attention because he was so secure in who he was. What struck me most about him was his genuine interest in others. He made everyone feel like they were important, whether you were an actor, a crew member, or anyone on set.”
Irrfan’s professionalism and dedication were qualities that left a lasting impression on Radhikka. “He was always the first one to arrive on set, and he never took shortcuts with his work. He would spend hours preparing for each scene, and even if the scene was small, he would give it his all,” she said. “I would often watch him work and be in awe of how much effort he put into bringing a character to life. It was a reminder that as an actor, you can never take anything for granted. Every scene deserves your full attention.”
Their collaboration went beyond just the technicalities of acting; it was about mutual respect and learning from one another. Radhikka admitted that, as a newcomer, she often sought advice from Irrfan, and he was always happy to share his wisdom. “There were times when I’d feel nervous about a scene or unsure of how to approach it,” she said. “But Irrfan sir would always have the right words to calm me down. He would tell me to trust myself, to trust my instincts. His support meant the world to me. He made me realize that there’s no ‘right way’ to act; you just have to let the character guide you.”
While Angrezi Medium was a beautiful and emotionally charged story, it was also released during a challenging time. As the world grappled with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the film’s release was affected, and many fans were unable to experience it in theaters. Despite the circumstances, the film’s emotional impact was not diminished. For Radhikka, it was a bittersweet moment. “I’m so proud of the work we did on Angrezi Medium. It was a labor of love for all of us,” she said. “But at the same time, the world was going through something unimaginable. And then, shortly after the release, we lost Irrfan sir. It was a loss that felt impossible to comprehend.”
Radhikka has often expressed how deeply affected she was by Irrfan’s passing. “I remember getting the news, and it felt like the world had stopped. We had just worked together, shared so many beautiful moments on set, and then suddenly, he was gone,” she said. “It still doesn’t feel real. He was someone who had so much more to give, and his death left a hole that can never be filled.”
As the anniversary of Angrezi Medium approaches, Radhikka reflects on the lasting impact of the film and its central character, Champak Bansal. The father-daughter relationship portrayed in the film is something that resonates with audiences around the world, and it continues to be a testament to the powerful performances of both Irrfan Khan and Radhikka Madan.
“Working on Angrezi Medium was a milestone in my career, and it continues to be a defining moment in my life. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work with someone as special as Irrfan sir. He wasn’t just an actor; he was a guide, a mentor, and a friend,” Radhikka shared. “I will forever carry the lessons he taught me in my heart. His legacy will live on through his films, and through all of us who were lucky enough to learn from him.”
As Radhikka moves forward in her career, she knows that Irrfan’s influence will always be with her. “I strive to honor his memory in everything I do,” she said. “He taught me that acting is more than just a profession—it’s about telling stories that move people, stories that make them feel something. That’s what I want to do, and I know that I’m only able to do that because of the time I spent working with him.”
As Angrezi Medium celebrates its fifth anniversary, the film’s legacy continues to live on. And for Radhikka, every time she watches the film or reflects on her time with Irrfan Khan, it serves as a reminder of the incredible impact he had on her and the industry at large.