Bollywood's well-known actor, Saif Ali Khan, was the victim of a home invasion, suffering stab wounds that required surgery; he is now out of danger. His team confirmed the incident, stating that it occurred in the early hours of Thursday at his upscale residence in Mumbai, India, where Saif Ali Khan lives with his family.
Mumbai police, in an interview with BBC Marathi, stated that an unidentified man broke into Saif Ali Khan's home after midnight, leading to a confrontation that resulted in the actor's injuries. A special investigation team has been formed to look into the matter. "Saif Ali Khan has undergone surgery and is out of danger. He is currently recovering, and doctors are closely monitoring his progress," said Saif Ali Khan's team in a statement.
Dr. Nitin Dange of Lilavati Hospital, where Saif Ali Khan was admitted, told reporters after the surgery that Saif Ali Khan had "severe spinal cord damage in the thoracic region due to a knife inserted into his spine." He added, "The surgery was to remove the knife and repair the leaking spinal fluid. The plastic surgery team also repaired two deep wounds on his left hand and one on his neck."
Saif Ali Khan's wife is Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor Khan, and they have two children. His team has stated that his family is currently safe. Kareena Kapoor Khan expressed in an Instagram story that it has been "an extremely difficult day" for her family and that they are still "trying to process" the event. She "respectfully and humbly" requested that the media and paparazzi "stop the endless speculation and reporting."
Kareena Kapoor Khan added, "While we appreciate everyone's concern and support, the constant attention and scrutiny is not only overwhelming but also a significant threat to our safety. I implore everyone to respect our boundaries and give us the space to heal and cope as a family." The specific details of the attack remain unclear. Police have stated that an "unidentified person" broke into the actor's home. Mumbai Deputy Commissioner of Police Dixit Gedam told BBC Marathi that "after that, there was an altercation between Saif Ali Khan and the intruder." Saif Ali Khan's team has indicated that it was an "attempted robbery," but did not provide further details. "We request the media and fans to be patient. This is a case that is being handled by the police," they said.
Saif Ali Khan debuted in Bollywood in 1993, primarily appearing in Hindi films, and is known for his wit and comedic timing. His popular movies include the romantic comedies "Dil Chahta Hai" and "Kal Ho Naa Ho," as well as the recent action films "Tanhaji" and "Devara: Part 1." He also received acclaim for his villainous role in the 2006 critically acclaimed adaptation of Shakespeare's "Othello," titled "Omkara."
Saif Ali Khan comes from a Nawab family that once ruled the small princely state of Pataudi, outside of Delhi, and his wife also comes from a family of film stars. His father, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, was a cricketer who captained the Indian national team in the 1960s. His mother, Sharmila Tagore, is a veteran actress who has starred in notable Hindi and Bengali films since the age of 14. His sister, Soha Ali Khan, has also acted in films for several years.
Saif Ali Khan's wife, Kareena, comes from a prominent family of actors, directors, and producers who have been active in Bollywood for nearly a century. Follow BBC India News on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook for more information.