Bollywood actor Irrfan Khan has announced that he is suffering from what he describes as a “rare disease”.

The veteran star wrote on Twitter that he didn’t want fans to speculate about his condition until he had a “conclusive diagnosis”. He said that he would reveal more about the illness within a week to 10 days.

“Sometimes you wake up with a jolt, with life shaking you up,” Khan wrote. “The last 15 days, my life has been a suspense story. Little had I known that my search for rare stories would make me find a rare disease.

“My family and friends are with me and we are working it out in the best way possible. In trying times, please don’t speculate as I will myself share with you my story within a week – 10 days, when further investigations come with a conclusive diagnosis. Till then, wish the best for me!”

Khan made his screen debut in the Academy Award-nominated 1988 drama Salaam Bombay! and has gone on to appear in more than 100 films. As well as starring in Indian hits such as Paan Singh Tomar and Piku, he has appeared in a number of English-language films, including Slumdog Millionaire, The Amazing Spider-Man, Jurassic World and Life of Pi.

The actor has won a number of domestic awards, including a 2012 Indian National Film Award for best actor for his performance in Paan Singh Tomar. Internationally, he received an Independent Spirit award for supporting actor for his turn in 2006 Indian-American drama The Namesake, and a viewers’ choice award at the Cannes film festival for his role in Indian romantic drama The Lunchbox.