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Actor Emmad Irfani has shared his deeply personal journey through grief and healing following the untimely death of his first-born son, Zaviyaar.

Irfani, who has long been admired for his performances acknowledged the immense pain his son’s death caused him in an interview with Something Haute. Reflecting on the tragedy, he also emphasised the importance of finding meaning and moving forward.

“I just say, don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened,” Irfani said. Describing his late son as “an angel sent from the heavens,” someone who arrived to guide him towards a deeper understanding of himself, he mused, “He came for a very specific kind of person. He wanted to tell me to make something out of myself.”

Before becoming a father, Irfani felt he was “just snowballing through life,” lacking direction and fulfilment. Becoming a father provided him with newfound clarity.

“After becoming a father, I realised why I exist,” he said. “Before that, I was just off track, was just snowballing through life. After becoming a father I realised why I exist. I think this is the power of true unconditional love — you become better, you work on yourself, you realise there are people dependent on you.”

Irfani also noted that he’s not the same person he was four years ago. “I think your perspective changes about life, and your way of viewing the world changes,” he shared.

For Irfani, acting played a crucial role in his healing process. His craft became an outlet to channel his emotions. “I believe that the tenacity to return to the battlefield is what separates the hero from the could-have-been,” he asserted.

While Irfani acknowledged that some wounds will always “sting”, he reminded everyone that moving on is the only choice one has. “Yes, the personal tragedy is a big setback the wound will never be filled. But what do you do? You move on, that’s the only choice you have — to be strong and move on.”

Irfani’s son Zaviyaar passed away in May last year. Months later, the model-cum-actor made his small screen comeback with Jaan-e-Jahan.