'Irrfan never showed any signs of illness while Blackmail's shoot'

Irrfan Khan

Irrfan Khan sent shockwaves in the industry when he opened up about contracting "a rare disease" in a post on his Twitter account yesterday. He wrote, "Sometimes, you wake up with a jolt with life shaking you up. The last fifteen days, my life has been a suspense story. Little had I known that my search for rare stories would make me find a rare disease. I have never given up and have always fought for my choices and always will. My family and friends are with me... In trying times, please don't speculate as I will myself share with you my story within a week - ten days, when the further investigations come with a conclusive diagnosis. Till then, wish the best for me." (sic)

Though Abhinay Deo, director of Khan's upcoming film Blackmail, admitted that the tweet left him stunned, he emphasised that it was time to stand by the actor's side.

Abhinay Deo

"I read his message on Twitter and it was shocking to find out about this health. He never showed any signs of illness while we were shooting for Blackmail, nor did he mention anything about it. I am sure the doctors are doing their best and providing necessary treatment. I haven't called him because he and his family are taking care of the situation, and during such a time, they need their privacy," said Deo.

That Khan was under the weather was revealed a fortnight ago when Vishal Bhardwaj announced that he was postponing his project based on gangster Sapna Didi owing to his lead actors' health problems. Khan was said to be suffering from jaundice at the time. However, things seemed to have taken a turn for the worse since then.

Concerned about Khan's health, Deo said they are open to postponing Blackmail's release, should the need arise. "As of now, the film is going to release as per schedule on April 6. It all depends on what news comes from Irrfan and his doctors' end. Then we can take a call and defer the release if needed."

Lauding him for opening up about his ailment on a public platform, the director added, "It's commendable of him to come out on a public forum and speak about what he is going through, as this will put an end to speculations that may have started."

Also Read: Irrfan reveals he's suffering from a 'rare disease'

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