Irrfan Khan’s Getting Better: Shoojit Sircar Awaits His Hero

“He’s one of our finest actors and a dear friend,” says Shoojit Sircar.

Piku director Shoojit Sircar with actors Irrfan Khan and Amitabh Bachchan. (Photo: Facebook)

Director Shoojit Sircar tells Mumbai Mirror that he had approached the ailing actor Irrfan Khan, over a year ago to essay the role of the unremembered martyr Udham Singh who contributed to the Indian independence struggle.

The Piku actor has taken a break from work to undergo treatment for Neuroendocrine tumour since March. His ailment came as a shock to his fans and B-Town. While they pray for his well-being and await any news on his health, Sircar reveals that he is planning to visit the National Award winning actor, in June.

“I’ve been speaking to both Irrfan and his wife (Sutapa Sikdar), he’s responding well to the treatment and trying to cope with the knowledge that he’s battling NeuroEndocrine tumour by treating the recuperation in Europe like a short and unexpected holiday. I’m planning to visit him next month. We hope to roll by the year-end, but will wait till Irrfan is ready to shoot...He’s one of our finest actors and a dear friend.”

Shoojit Sircar to Mumbai Mirror

“To relive Udham’s journey, I need a performance with finesse and depth, which Irrfan is capable of. Also, he’s the only international actor we have today and I discovered to my delight that independently he knows a lot about the history of Punjab. It’s easy working with an actor who’s interested and involved,” added Shoojit Sircar, who has directed him in Piku opposite Deepika Padukone.

Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj had also recently announced that it is only when "warrior" Irrfan Khan returns as a "winner" after conquering his health condition that will he start his film, based on Hussain Zaidi’s book, with the actor.