A special documentary detailing the late Irrfan Khan's experiences during the making of Paan Singh Tomar is scheduled for screening at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) on April 29, marking the sixth anniversary of his passing.

Directed by Ranjeeta Kaur, A Story That Refused to Die compiles rare and previously unseen footage of Irrfan Khan captured during the film’s production. The documentary serves as a careful preservation of fleeting, intimate moments showcasing the actor’s creative process.

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion featuring directors Tigmanshu Dhulia and Vishal Bhardwaj in conversation with Saurabh Dwivedi.

Sharing the documentary’s promotional material, Tigmanshu Dhulia stated, “The journey of making Paan Singh Tomar went through its share of storms, but Hemingway said it right, ‘Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.’ Making Paan Singh Tomar wouldn’t have been possible without my strongest confidant, Irrfan. And now, it’s been six years without him, but just like the title of this documentary, ‘A story that refused to die’, Irrfan’s contribution to cinema remains eternal. With nearly lost footage now restored, this special documentary will be screened for the first time in 14 years.”

Ranjeeta Kaur, the documentary’s director, remarked, “I was very fortunate to have been part of a masterpiece in the making. The experience was so powerful that it steered me towards my own path in cinema. Undoubtedly, it was the power of resilience that I took from the journey of Paan Singh Tomar that kept me from giving up. This documentary is my salute to Paan Singh Tomar, to Irrfan Khan, and to the power of cinema.”

Irrfan Khan passed away on April 29, 2020, in Mumbai. He had been diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumour, which led to his death.