On January 14, 2026, acclaimed actor Parvathy Thiruvothu opened up in a deeply personal conversation about the enduring emotional impact of losing two of her most cherished co-stars, Irrfan Khan and Puneeth Rajkumar. The discussion, which took place with the platform Male Feminist, resonated with many in the Indian film community and beyond, highlighting how the bonds formed through shared creative work can linger long after collaborators are gone.
Parvathy’s reflections stem from her experiences working alongside Irrfan Khan in the romantic comedy Qarib Qarib Single and with Puneeth Rajkumar in the Kannada blockbuster Milana. Both films, though set in vastly different worlds, provided Parvathy with opportunities to witness the unique warmth, respect, and humanity that her co-stars brought to their craft. Years after their passing, the sense of loss remains palpable for her. As she put it, “There’s something strange about losing a character to death. We created these characters and these worlds together, and it still hasn’t settled.” This honest admission, reported by Bollywood Hungama and Koimoi, underscores the profound connection actors can develop with each other through the shared act of storytelling.
Parvathy’s memories of Irrfan Khan are especially marked by his gentle presence and quiet sensitivity. She recalled how Irrfan’s demeanor on set was always marked by respect and thoughtfulness—not just toward his work, but toward everyone around him. When asked whether she considered Irrfan a feminist, Parvathy sidestepped labels and instead pointed to the emotional openness she observed in his son Babil, suggesting that such qualities don’t arise in a vacuum. “That softness doesn’t come from nowhere,” she explained, hinting at the nurturing environment and empathetic values that Irrfan may have fostered at home and in his professional life.
This observation about Irrfan Khan’s legacy is echoed by many who worked with him. His ability to convey vulnerability and empathy on screen was matched by a similar approach in real life, according to Parvathy. She noted that her understanding of him was shaped not by grand gestures, but by the everyday acts of kindness and respect he extended to colleagues. It’s a testament to the enduring influence of an actor who, even in absence, continues to inspire those who knew him.
Turning to her memories of Puneeth Rajkumar, Parvathy’s tone shifted to one of admiration and awe. Affectionately known as “Appu” in Karnataka, Puneeth was more than a beloved actor—he was a cultural phenomenon. Parvathy reminisced about their collaboration on Milana, a film that not only brought them together as co-stars but also went on to enjoy an extraordinary theatrical run of over a year. This rare achievement, she suggested, was a reflection not just of the film’s appeal, but of Puneeth’s deep and lasting connection with his audience. As Koimoi noted, his popularity transcended the screen, making his loss all the more keenly felt within the industry and among fans.
The emotional weight of losing co-actors, Parvathy explained, is distinct from other kinds of loss. The process of building characters and worlds together forges a bond that is hard to describe and even harder to let go. “We created these characters and these worlds together, and it still hasn’t settled,” she repeated, her words carrying the unmistakable ache of unfinished stories and interrupted friendships. According to Bollywood Hungama, this sense of incompleteness is a common thread among artists who invest so much of themselves in collaborative creation.
Parvathy’s willingness to speak openly about grief and remembrance offers a rare glimpse into the human side of the film industry, where professional relationships often blur into personal ones. Her reflections invite audiences to consider the invisible threads that bind artists together and the void left behind when those threads are suddenly severed.
Despite the weight of these memories, Parvathy continues to move forward with her career, channeling her experiences into new creative ventures. She is set to make her OTT debut with Storm, a project produced by HRX Films. The anticipation around this release is high, as fans are eager to see how she will bring her signature depth and authenticity to a new format. Additionally, Parvathy will appear in the upcoming film I, Nobody, co-starring Prithviraj Sukumaran. These projects mark important milestones in her evolving journey as an actor, demonstrating her resilience and commitment to her craft even in the face of personal loss.
Looking back, it’s clear that the impact of actors like Irrfan Khan and Puneeth Rajkumar extends far beyond their filmographies. Their presence, both on and off screen, helped shape the lives and careers of those around them. For Parvathy, the lessons learned from working with such remarkable individuals continue to inform her approach to storytelling and collaboration. She remains grateful for the time they shared and determined to honor their memory through her work.
The stories of Irrfan and Puneeth are, in many ways, emblematic of the broader experience of loss within artistic communities. When a creative partnership ends abruptly, what remains is not just the memory of shared success, but also the lingering sense of what might have been. Parvathy’s reflections serve as a reminder that grief is not a linear process, nor is it confined to the immediate aftermath of loss. Instead, it ebbs and flows, resurfacing in unexpected moments and shaping the way we remember those who have gone before us.
As the Indian film industry continues to evolve, the legacies of Irrfan Khan and Puneeth Rajkumar endure—not just in the films they left behind, but in the hearts and minds of those who were fortunate enough to know them. Parvathy Thiruvothu’s candid recollections offer a powerful tribute to their memory, illustrating the profound and lasting impact that true artists can have on one another.
With new projects on the horizon and the echoes of past collaborations still resonating, Parvathy stands as a testament to the resilience of the creative spirit. Her journey, shaped by both loss and hope, reminds us all that while the stories we tell may end, the connections we forge along the way endure.
