Ashwini Bhave shares a memory of shooting with Irrfan Khan

With tributes pouring in from the film industry and Irrfan Khan's co-stars after his death last morning, actress Ashwini Bhave has shared a sweet memory of shooting with the actor over 25 years ago, when both were young artistes.

Bhave, who worked with Khan in Purush (1994), said she was shocked by his sudden demise. The film, directed by Rajen Kothari, was based on a Marathi play of the same name.

This was part of Irrfan Khan's early work in Hindi cinema. He went on to star in many mainstream Hindi and Hollywood films. In Purush, he had played the boyfriend of Bhave's character.

Recalling those days, the actress said, "We had shot the film in Wai [near Satara in Maharashtra]. Irrfan played my boyfriend... I have a very vivid memory of a scene we shot, a boat sequence at a dam near Wai. I still recollect Irrfan to be a reserved person then.

"A few years ago, we happened to board the same aircraft. This was before he was detected with cancer. I was coming back from a shoot in India [Bhave now lives in the US] and he was travelling to Los Angeles for the screening of his Hollywood film Life Of Pi. He was very excited about the film."

The actress shared a heartfelt message on Twitter along with their old photo from the shooting of Purush.

Ashwini Bhave added, "His sudden demise has deeply saddened me. Irrfan was one of the finest actors in the Indian film industry. I have seen almost all of his films, including his international projects. He was an incredible actor and human being."

Irrfan Khan died on Wednesday morning at the age of 53 after battling a rare neuroendocrine tumour for two years.