Actor Irrfan Khan, who stunned his fans last year by revealing that he had been diagnosed with high-grade NeuroEndocrine cancer, on Wednesday said that he had returned home after prolonged treatment in London. In an emotional note to his fans, the popular actor wrote that he wanted to ‘pause to be grateful’ for ‘immense love and support’ that he received from them.
He wrote, “Maybe somewhere in the pursuit of winning we forget how much it means to be loved… In our vulnerability we are reminded. As I leave my footprints onto these steps of my life, I want to pause to be grateful for receiving your immense love and support. It soothed me in my process of healing. So, I travel back to you, thanking you from the bottom of my heart.”
— Irrfan (@irrfank) April 3, 2019
In March last year, Irrfan had revealed he had been diagnosed with Neuro Endocrine Tumour adding that learning about the disease ‘has admittedly been difficult.’ He had written, “The unexpected makes us grow, which is what the past few days have been. Learning that I have been diagnosed with NeuroEndocrine Tumour as of now has admittedly been difficult, but the love and strength of those around me and that I found within me has brought me to a place of hope.
He had written, “The journey of this is taking me out of country, and I request everyone to continue sending their wishes. As for the rumours that were floated, NEURO is not always about the brain and googling is the easiest way to do research. To those who waited for my words, I hope to be back with more stories to tell.”
Irrfan’s wife, Sutapa Sikdar, had made a desperate appeal to his fans thanking them for their support after her husband was diagnosed with the ‘rare disease.’
Several Bollywood stars welcomed him for his return to Mumbai. Actor Ayushmann Khurrana wrote, “Dear sir, you are my hero!” Richa Chadha tweeted, “Welcome back! ❤️? here’s to more art, small joys and gratitude!” Actress Swara Bhasker wrote, “Welcome back @irrfank sir! Wish you health and happiness.. you are our inspiration.”
While under treatment, Irrfan had written an emotional note about his fear. His note, published in the Times of India, had read, “The suddenness made me realise how you are just a cork floating in the ocean with UNPREDICTABLE currents! And you are desperately trying to control it.”