Rediscovered Gem: Vidya Balan and Irrfan Khan's 'The Last Tenant' Finally Sees the Light of Day

After being shelved for nearly 25 years, the Bollywood film 'The Last Tenant,' featuring Vidya Balan and Irrfan Khan, has finally been released on YouTube. Directed by Sarthak Dasgupta, this film marks a significant moment in both actors' careers, especially as it coincides with Khan's death anniversary. Balan reflects on the emotional weight of the film and its importance in her early career. With nearly 200,000 views in just three days, this rediscovered gem highlights the potential for lost cinematic works to find new audiences in the digital age.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 5, 2026, 16:02 IST

A Long-Lost Film Resurfaces

Not every cinematic creation receives the recognition it deserves; many fade into obscurity. Among these is 'The Last Tenant,' a Bollywood film featuring the talents of Vidya Balan and the late Irrfan Khan. This project, which has been shelved for nearly 25 years, has now found a new home for audiences to enjoy. The film showcases a young Irrfan Khan alongside Balan, marking their only collaboration on screen, and is considered one of Balan's earliest works.

Directed by Sarthak Dasgupta and co-produced by Neena, 'The Last Tenant' has made its debut on YouTube, bypassing traditional cinema releases. Currently, it is not available on any OTT platforms. This release coincides with the anniversary of Irrfan Khan's passing, adding a heartfelt touch to its long-awaited premiere. Despite being completed, the film remained unreleased for over two decades.

Director Sarthak Dasgupta had nearly given up hope of ever sharing the film with the world, especially after the original footage was lost. In a fortunate turn of events, a VHS copy was eventually found, allowing for this release. Vidya Balan shared her emotional reaction to the film's unveiling, stating, “It feels surreal to see 'The Last Tenant' finally reach audiences. I was just starting out, trying to find my footing…Working with Irrfan was incredibly special then and that much more now, considering it’s the only time I got to share screen space with him.”

Balan further emphasized the film's importance, describing it as a beautiful reminder of her early days in the industry. She expressed her gratitude for its release as a tribute to Khan, highlighting the emotional significance it holds. Released under Sarthak Dasgupta’s production company, The Salt Inc., 'The Last Tenant' has already begun to capture attention online.

In just three days since its release, the film has attracted nearly 200,000 views on YouTube, showcasing a remarkable response to a project that once seemed forgotten. The revival of 'The Last Tenant' not only underscores the lasting impact of its stars but also illustrates how lost cinematic treasures can find new life in the digital era.