Rediscovered Film 'The Last Tenant': A Heartfelt Tribute to Irrfan Khan and Vidya Balan

The Last Tenant, a previously unreleased film featuring Irrfan Khan and Vidya Balan, has surfaced on YouTube nearly 25 years after its filming. Directed by Sarthak Dasgupta, this film is a poignant tribute to Irrfan on his death anniversary. It showcases the early careers of both actors, providing a glimpse into their beginnings in Indian cinema. With a heartfelt release, the film has quickly gained popularity, nearing 200,000 views in just three days. Vidya Balan reflects on the nostalgia of working with Irrfan, making this release even more special for fans. Explore the emotional journey of this long-lost cinematic piece.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 5, 2026, 14:55 IST

A Long-Lost Film Emerges

In a surprising turn of events, a cinematic gem titled The Last Tenant has made its debut on YouTube, nearly 25 years after it was filmed. This unreleased project features a young Irrfan Khan alongside Vidya Balan. Directed and penned by Sarthak Dasgupta, the film's release coincides with the anniversary of Irrfan Khan's passing, adding a poignant touch to its long-awaited unveiling. This film is believed to be one of Vidya Balan's earliest roles, potentially her first project following her brief television career, and it uniquely showcases the collaboration between her and Irrfan Khan.

For over two decades, the film remained in limbo as Sarthak struggled to secure a release, ultimately losing the original footage. Fortunately, he recently stumbled upon a VHS copy, allowing the project to finally see the light of day. This film also marks Sarthak's directorial debut, transitioning from a corporate background after earning his Engineering and MBA degrees. He later produced works like the Netflix original Music Teacher and the film 200 Halla Ho, featuring Amol Palekar and Rinku Rajguru, along with web series such as Dharavi Bank.

Now accessible to a global audience, The Last Tenant provides a captivating look into the early careers of two actors who would later transform Indian cinema. Even in its unrefined state, viewers can witness the early signs of Irrfan's subtlety and Vidya's captivating presence. Reflecting on the film's arduous path to release, director Sarthak Dasgupta remarked, "I was inexperienced and had much to learn. I had no prior assistance, no film school education, and no resources like Amazon or YouTube for guidance. Driven by sheer instinct, I embarked on this journey, uncertain if it would lead to a career."

Releasing this film as a tribute to Irrfan adds an emotional layer to its significance. It feels like revisiting a long-lost dream. Vidya Balan also shared her nostalgia regarding the film's release, stating, "It's surreal to see The Last Tenant finally reach audiences. I was just beginning my journey, trying to establish myself. Collaborating with Irrfan was incredibly special then, and even more so now, as it's the only time I shared the screen with him."

The film serves as a poignant reminder of her beginnings, and she is grateful it is being shared as a tribute to him. Released under Sarthak's production company, the film has quickly gained traction, amassing nearly 200,000 views on YouTube within just three days. For Irrfan Khan's fans, this release holds significant emotional weight, coinciding with his death anniversary and transforming The Last Tenant into a heartfelt tribute to an actor whose legacy remains impactful.