Remembering Irrfan Khan’s trysts with advertising on his birth anniversary

Birthdays often bring back an artist’s peak moments, the viral scenes, the unforgettable performances, the films that defined generations, but, with Irrfan Khan, the memories feel endless. His droopy eyes, measured pauses, restrained dialogue delivery and that quiet, knowing smile still stay with audiences. 

Yet, while people remember an actor’s best film, very few remember the last advertisement he appeared in.

Irrfan Khan passed away in April 2020 after a long battle with cancer. Six years later, in 2026, as the industry remembers him on his birthday, it feels worth revisiting a part of his legacy that rarely gets spoken about. His final goodbye to advertising.

His last ad for Syska LED was not filmed on an Indian set or during a busy campaign schedule. It was shot in England, while he was undergoing treatment. By then, his illness was visible. His voice had softened, his movements were slower. But the honesty that defined his performances remained intact.

Syska and Irrfan had worked together for nearly six years. Over time, he had become synonymous with the brand. Sources had earlier revealed that there were suggestions for Syska to end the association when Irrfan was unable to shoot for long periods due to his health. The brand chose not to. It stood by him even when he travelled abroad for treatment. All Syska campaigns featuring Irrfan were created by IBD India.

Irrfan never felt like a conventional advertising face. That was precisely why brands trusted him. Whether it was Vodafone during its Hutch days or MasterCard appointing him as its first Indian brand ambassador in 2017, his presence brought warmth to brand communication. The MasterCard campaign, shot in Rajasthan, used colour and scale, but it was Irrfan’s restraint that anchored the narrative.

He lent gravitas to categories that often struggle to connect emotionally. KEI Wires, Edelweiss Group’s business loan campaigns, Aegon Life Insurance’s pension plan series and CEAT Tyres’ safety-led campaign all relied on his ability to explain without preaching. 

Ads That Felt Like Stories

Some campaigns showed sides of Irrfan audiences rarely saw. In a 7UP ad with Raveena Tandon, he surprised viewers with playful dance moves. In Envy 1000 deodorant commercials, he brought charm without exaggeration. For Glenmark’s Candid Dusting Powder, he explained skin infections with clarity and empathy.

He urged viewers to adopt digital buying through IndiaMart, appeared in Bengali-language ads for Henko and even went beyond commercial advertising when he was appointed brand ambassador for the Rajasthan government’s Resurgent Rajasthan campaign in 2015.

Irrfan Khan once said that the day he became conventional, something inside him would die. That belief reflected in every role he chose, including advertising. Even in his final ad, shot while he was battling cancer, there was dignity and honesty.

Everyone remembers his films. On his birthday in 2026, it may be time to remember the last ad too.