Lost Irrfan Khan Film ‘The Last Tenant’ Finally Releases on YouTube as A Tribute

A long-forgotten film featuring Irrfan Khan from the early days of his career has finally been released, more than two decades after it was made. Titled “The Last Tenant” , the 43-minute film has been made available on YouTube as a tribute to the late actor on his sixth death anniversary.

Shot around the year 2000, the film stars Irrfan alongside Vidya Balan , who was then known for her role in the popular television show Hum Paanch . Both actors were at the beginning of their journeys in the entertainment industry when the project was filmed.

Written and directed by Sarthak Dasgupta , the film was produced on a modest scale under the banner of The Salt Inc . Despite being completed, it remained unreleased for years after the original footage was believed to be lost.

The project resurfaced only recently when Dasgupta discovered a VHS copy of the film, enabling its restoration and eventual release. The filmmaker described the moment as the revival of a “forgotten dream”, adding that releasing it now as a tribute to Irrfan makes it especially emotional.

In a statement, Vidya Balan said revisiting the film felt surreal, recalling it as a time when she was still finding her footing as an actor. She noted that working with Irrfan was a deeply special experience and remains the only time she shared screen space with him.

Irrfan Khan passed away on April 29, 2020, in Mumbai after a prolonged battle with a Neuroendocrine tumor . Widely regarded as one of India’s most versatile actors, his legacy spans acclaimed performances in both Indian and international cinema.

The release of “The Last Tenant” offers audiences a rare glimpse into the formative years of two celebrated actors, while also serving as a poignant reminder of Irrfan Khan’s enduring impact on the world of cinema.