In a surprise to many, famous actor Irrfan Khan, who is currently receiving treatment for his neuroendocrine tumor, has made a secret visit to Trimbakeshwar Temple, where he performed a puja and havan with the pandits of the temple.
According to SpotboyE, a Bollywood paparazzi website, Irrfan Khan, who is currently receiving his treatment to London, made a quiet visit to India without any fanfare, and performed a puja and havan at the holy Trimbakeshwar Mandir in Nashik. The news was then confirmed by Times Now.
To quote the report by SpotboyE, ‘Now, we have come across an exclusive bit of news that is bound to leave you surprised. Our source has revealed that he recently made a quiet visit to India for a very personal reason. He made a brief visit to the Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple in Nashik for a Puja and havan with Pundits. The exact details around the date on which this happened is unknown yet, but it was a just a 2-day visit following which he quickly went back to London, for further treatment.’
For those unaware, Irrfan Khan had left the world shocked with the announcement of a disease that had struck him in early 2018. When he declined to attend the promotions of his movie ‘Blackmail’ rumors were circulated as to whether or not Irrfan suffered from cancer. However, dispelling all the rumors, Irrfan himself confirmed the disease he was suffering from in a long post on social media, especially Instagram. To quote his post :
‘The unexpected makes us grow, which is what the past few days have been about. 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 also added, ‘The journey of this is taking me out of the country, and I request everyone to continue sending their wishes. As for the rumors 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 (sic).’
If the report stands cent per cent true, this is another example of the maverick that Irrfan Khan has been. Not the one to abide by the dictums of the elite Bollywood, the actor, well known for his roles in ‘Haasil’, ‘Paan Singh Tomar’, ‘Hindi Medium’ etc. has been extremely popular for his open views. Only 2 years ago, he was criticized for questioning the parameters of asking Qurbani during the Islamic festival of Id ul Azha, or Bakrid as popularly known.
When the clerics accused him of being unIslamic, Irrfan replied in his usual nonchalant way :
Clerics don't scare me !! Thank God I don't live in a country governed by religious contractors (thekedars ) #FREEDOM
— Irrfan (@irrfank) July 1, 2016
Even in the movie ‘Karwaan’, Irrfan’s character Shaukat has taken subtle, but irrefutable digs at Islamic malpractices. As such, his visit to the Trimbakeshwar temple is nothing less than welcoming, especially when his counterparts indulge in bashing Hindus at the drop of the hat. We do hope that Bhagwan Shiva enables his speedy recovery and he continues to entertain people the way he has with his previous masterpieces.