Jaideep Ahlawat opens up about comparisons to late Irrfan Khan: “Deep down, there is a huge sense of responsibility in a very surreal way”

Jaideep emphasized that the love and admiration from fans motivate him to stay focused on exploring the art of filmmaking.

By Bollywood Hungama News Network -

April 19, 2025 - 2:06 PM IST

Bollywood actor Jaideep Ahlawat is gearing up to captivate audiences with his upcoming heist thriller, Jewel Thief. Known for his impactful performances in projects like Paatal Lok, Raazi, Raees, and Jaane Jaan, Jaideep has earned a massive fan following. He has frequently been compared to the late actor Irrfan Khan by his fans. Now, in an interview with India Today, Jaideep has addressed these comparisons.

Jaideep Ahlawat opens up about comparisons to late Irrfan Khan: “Deep down, there is a huge sense of responsibility in a very surreal way”

Jaideep is often seen by fans as a deserving torchbearer of Irrfan Khan's cinematic legacy. Responding to this, he shared, “I mean, what should I say? It's a very personal feeling. Deep down, there is a huge sense of responsibility in a very surreal way. You also feel very honoured that someone loves your work so much; that in itself becomes a huge responsibility. I have to be on my toes and aware of this sense of exploring the art of filmmaking—not just the acting, but the entire process. If I am not exploring, then those who watch my work are not exploring with me (either).”

Jaideep made his Bollywood debut in 2010, playing a negative character in Priyadarshan's Khatta Meetha. He later appeared in a small role in Aakrosh alongside Ajay Devgn. However, it was Gangs of Wasseypur directed by Anurag Kashyap that marked a turning point in his career. Jaideep gained recognition for his performances in Raazi and Raees, and his role in the web series Paatal Lok, where he portrayed Hathi Ram Chaudhary, earned him widespread acclaim, with both fans and critics praising his performance.

The late actor Irrfan Khan’s cinematic legacy is defined by his powerful performances, versatile roles, and global influence. From Bollywood classics like Paan Singh Tomar and The Lunchbox to international successes such as Life of Pi and The Namesake, he made an unforgettable impact on cinema. Irrfan passed away at the age of 53 in 2020 after battling a colon infection, following his struggle with a neuroendocrine tumour since 2018.

Jaideep will next star in the Netflix film Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins. Directed by Robbie Grewal and Kookie Gulati, the film also features Saif Ali Khan, Kunal Kapoor, and Nikita Dutta in key roles. It is set to release on April 25.

Also Read : Nikita Dutta shares fun BTS from Jewel Thief trailer launch with Saif Ali Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Kunal Kapoor & team, watch