Irrfan exits from Amazon Video series due to health concerns

Irrfan Khan, who is currently in London undergoing treatment for neuroendocrine tumour, has pulled out of "Gormint", an Amazon Video series due to his health condition.

The 52-year-old actor, who shared the news through Facebook, said he was "gutted" to part away from the political satire on which he collaborated with a stand-up quartet.

"'Ministry', now known as 'Gormint', the Amazon Video series I have been working on with the team of AIB, was one of my most favourite ongoing projects. After shooting for months and after having a ballistic time on set I discovered my now on-going physical condition.

"With a heavy heart I would like to say that due to this ongoing situation, I will not be able to fulfil my acting commitment to the show," he wrote in the post.

Irrfan said he was leaving the show as his health was not allowing him to work on the project despite several discussions and rescheduling.

"I am gutted by this development because the character and the show thrilled me, and I even lived with the character for several months before having to cut the journey short. But after extensive discussions, workarounds and sincere efforts by everyone involved, the situation prevents me from being able to do the show entirely. And thus I must, at this time, exit stage left," he said.

The actor thanked everyone involved in the show for their support and understanding.

Vijay Subramaniam, Director and Head, Content, Amazon Prime Video, India also confirmed the news.

He wished Irrfan a "speedy and successful recovery".

"Irrfan Khan, actor extraordinaire and star of Amazon Prime Original Series, 'Gormint' (formerly known as 'Ministry') today announced the joint decision by the creators and him to no longer be cast in the show owing to his health situation.

"Amazon Prime Video, along with the show's creators and cast, are deeply saddened by this news. Irrfan has been and will continue to remain a part of the Amazon family. We wish him a speedy and successful recovery and look forward to watching the show with him sitting right next to us," Subramaniam said in a statement.

The actor has earlier collaborated with the AIB team - Rohan Joshi, Gursimran Khamba, Ashish Shakya and Tanmay Bhat - for a some videos.