Director Abhinay Deo on Irrfan’s health crisis: What he’s doing is inspirational and amazing

[Irrfan] not only opened up in detail about what he’s going through, but also [talked about] how he’s dealing with his illness. This clearly highlights his positivity and strength. And in my opinion, it’s a winner’s attitude. ABHINAY DEO DIRECTOR

Irrfan’s performances have won him millions of fans around the world — he’s equally at home in Bollywood and Hollywood. So when the actor recently revealed that he’s suffering from a rare disease (a neuroendocrine tumour), it was a truly shocking moment.

But given his fighting spirit, Irrfan has decided to undergo treatment on one hand, and focus on his work on the other hand. While the actor is now in London for treatment, he has requested the makers of his upcoming film, Abhinay Deo’s Blackmail, to be released on schedule. About the actor’s fight to overcome his health crisis, the director says, “What he’s doing is inspirational and amazing. He not only opened up in detail about what he’s going through, but also [talked about] how he’s dealing with his illness. This clearly highlights his positivity and strength. And in my opinion, it’s a winner’s attitude.”

“Irrfan is showing us how to deal with such [unavoidable] circumstances in life,” adds Abhinay, who directed Force 2 (2016) and Delhi Belly (2011). “Hopefully, will be back with us as early as possible.”

Asked how Irrfan’s absence at film promotions would affect Blackmail’s box-office chances, Abhinay says, “When everyone makes something with their heart and soul, a good piece of work comes out of it. And it also strikes the right chord with the audience. We’re keeping no stone unturned to promote the film; even Irrfan wanted it this way. He wants the best for the film and has extended his support.”

Talking about the film, Abhinay adds that Irrfan was the first, foremost, and the only choice for the film. The director says, “Irrfan’s character (Dev) in Blackmail has the least number of lines — we needed someone who could deliver even with few words and [through his] expression, but at the same time wouldn’t go overboard. There are very few actors in the country who can pull off such a layered performance.”

Meanwhile, according to certain reports, along with his ongoing therapy in London, Irrfan is also undergoing herbal treatment by a traditional healer from Shimoga, Karnataka, and is in touch with noted Ayurvedic physician Vaidya Balendu Prakash from Dehradun.