A village in Igatpuri, in Maharashtra’s Nashik district, has been renamed “Hero Chi Wadi” to honour the late actor Irrfan Khan, whose connection to the region extended far beyond his time spent there. The area, once known as Patryacha Wada, is near Trilangwadi Fort, where Khan owned a farmhouse for nearly 15 years.
This renaming is a tribute to his enduring impact on the local community, which he served with immense kindness.
A tribute to Irrfan Khan’s heart and generosity
Beyond being a retreat from Bollywood, Igatpuri held a special place in Irrfan’s heart. He actively contributed to the village’s welfare—donating an ambulance, providing books, computers, and clothing for children, and funding school buildings. His warmth and generosity left a lasting impact on the community.
Irrfan’s wife, Sutapa Sikdar, attended the renaming ceremony, while his son Babil Khan clarified on social media that the farmhouse was built and maintained by his mother, carrying forward his father’s dreams.
Khan’s untimely passing in 2020 left a void, but his legacy lives on—not just through his cinematic masterpieces like The Lunchbox and Life of Pi, but in the hearts of the villagers who saw him as one of their own. ‘Hero Chi Wadi’ now stands as a lasting testament to his kindness and connection with the people of Igatpuri.
