Irfan Khan In Chandrakanta ((better)) Jun 2026

, Irrfan initially played , the chief aiyar (spy/warrior) of Chunagarh. Aiyars were master impersonators known for their strategy and sorcery.

: Badrinath’s evil twin brother. He eventually defected to join forces with the enemy, creating a sharp conflict with his brother.

This confusion arises simply due to the phonetic similarity of their names and the fact that both worked in Hindi television/film during the 90s. irfan khan in chandrakanta

Re-watching Chandrakanta on OTT platforms today reveals just how effective Irfan Khan was. Without the aid of slick VFX, he had to conjure fear using only his physicality and diction. In scenes where he would draw yantras on the floor or conjure Tilism (illusions), his intense focus elevated the cheap special effects of the time.

Long before he became a global cinematic icon in films like The Lunchbox and Life of Pi , was a household name in India through the legendary 1994 fantasy series Chandrakanta . Aired on Doordarshan, the show was a cultural phenomenon that first introduced many viewers to Khan’s "intense eyes and boundless talent". The Dual Role: Badrinath and Somnath , Irrfan initially played , the chief aiyar

After Chandrakanta , Irfan Khan continued to work in television and Bollywood in supporting roles, but he never quite escaped the shadow of the Tantrik. For the generation that grew up in the 90s, he remains the definitive face of evil sorcery.

Unlike the campy villains of the era, Irfan Khan played the role with a chilling sincerity. He wasn't there to make you laugh; he was there to make you believe that Tona-Totka (black magic) could actually bring the palace down. He eventually defected to join forces with the

Chandrakanta was a "stepping stone" that helped Irrfan run his household while he waited for his big break in cinema. It showcased his early ability to "weave magic" even in loud, fantastical settings—a far cry from the subtle, naturalistic acting he later became famous for. For many 90s kids, these dual roles were their very first introduction to the "intense eyes" of Irrfan Khan.