'Irrfan is a fighter'

'He is an inspiration.'
'I know he will be well soon.'

This week Irrfan stunned his admirers and fans when he tweeted about the 'rare disease' that he is suffering from.

On hold for now is Vishal Bhardwaj's adaptation of Hussain Zaidi's gangster story, Sapna Didi, featuring Irrfan and Deepika Padukone.

Co-producer Prernaa Arora says the actor getting well is more important than the delay.

"We were about to begin shooting from next week," says Prernaa. "Vishal Sir had just come back from his final recce. We were all so excited and happy and now, this has happened."

"Irrfan Sir and Deepika Ma'am are our first and only choice. The way things going in this world makes you wonder where we're heading."

"Life is so unpredictable," says Prernaa, who is just 32 years old. "Every moment warns us not take life for granted, to look after ourselves and our loved ones."

The worried producer says she has been on tenterhooks about Irrfan's health.

"When Vishal Sir and I learnt about Irrfan Sir's illness, I felt very uneasy and depressed," she says.

"I wish Irrfan Sir gets well soon. He is a fighter, a self-made success story and an inspiration to many of us. I know he will be well soon."

Recalling her association with the actor, Prernaa says, "I met Irrfan Sir through Vishal Sir. They go back a long way. They love each other so much. I am so fond of them and their work in Maqbool and Saat Khoon Maaf."

"I am a big fan of their work. From Day 1, Vishal sir was sure Irrfan Sir was going to be the one and only choice for this role, and that's the way it will remain."

"We wish Irrfan Sir a speedy recovery and can't wait to start our film with him."

Irrfan, who tweeted about the rare disease that he had, added he will reveal what it is in a week or 10 days.

We wish Irrfan a speedy and complete recovery. God be with him always.

Photograph: Kind courtesy Irrfan Khan/Twitter