V Narayan (THE TIMES OF INDIA; January 23, 2025)
Mumbai: Autorickshaw driver Bhajan Singh Rana (56) — who drove an injured Saif Ali Khan to Lilavati Hospital early Jan 16 after he was stabbed by an intruder — was resting when he received an unexpected ring from the actor’s personal secretary on Tuesday afternoon. Saif wanted to meet Rana in his hospital room to thank him personally before leaving for his Bandra residence Tuesday evening.
After the meeting, Rana told TOI: “The actor asked me how I managed to escape from the media glare at the hospital entrance. I said I wore a mask. The 5-10 minutes I spent with the actor will be my most memorable experience in the 25 years that I have spent in Mumbai facing hardships.”
Rana said, “The actor was very humble and I could not believe it when he hugged me in the presence of his family members and assured me of any help when needed. All of them greeted me when I entered the hospital room. I have been driving for 25 years in the city and this was the first time a star sat in my autorickshaw.”
Describing the incident, Rana said he was on night duty when he entered the lane where Khan resides. A woman hailed his rickshaw and he halted.
“I did not notice who the person was but his clothes were soaked in blood and he was in pain. I noticed cuts on his neck and back. I think his two sons, elder Ibrahim and younger Taimur, were with him, though I am not sure. He spoke to them during the journey.”
After expressing their appreciation, both Saif and his mother, veteran actor Sharmila Tagore, shared their contact details and offered him support when required. “In my native village in Uttarakhand, my family is getting recognition after reports of the incident,” he added.
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MID-DAY (January 23, 2025)
Actor Saif Ali Khan met auto driver Bhajan Singh Rana, who had rushed him to Lilavati Hospital in his auto-rickshaw following the incident. Saif thanked the driver, introduced him to his family, and expressed his gratitude. The actor also gave Rana some money and assured him of support in the future if needed
The auto driver shared that he met Saif’s mother, Sharmila Tagore, and even touched her feet as a gesture of respect. After the attack, Saif was taken to Lilavati Hospital by his son, Ibrahim, in an auto-rickshaw driven by Rana. Recalling the incident, Rana said, “The actor was wearing a white kurta and was injured. He kept asking how much time it would take to reach the hospital.”
Rana also described meeting Saif after the incident, “On Tuesday, I received a call from Saif’s team asking me to come to the hospital. When I visited, Saif Ali Khan met me, hugged me, and thanked me. I was so happy. I never expected to meet Saif Ali Khan. He gave me some money, including my auto fare, and assured me that he would help me if I ever needed it.” Rana added, “Saif blessed me and was smiling. I also met his mother, Sharmila Tagore, who gave me some money. I touched her feet, and I feel very happy.”
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Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 23, 2025)
Following discharge from Lilavati hospital, actor Saif Ali Khan returned to his Mumbai house being lit up, akin to Diwali. The actor also met Bhajan Singh, the auto driver who drove him to the hospital following the stabbing incident. Later, police visited his house on Wednesday to record his statement.
The security of the building has been in question since the incident. In a major move, Saif has employed the services of actor Ronit Roy’s security firm. Upon reaching out, Ronit refused to divulge details on the cover being provided, but said, “We are already here with Saif. He is doing fine now and has come back.” Meanwhile, videos have been circulating on social media of additional CCTV cameras being installed around the building.
“Both the security guards in the building were sleeping when his attacker entered it by crossing over the boundary wall,” a police official told PTI, adding, “The accused entered the building from the main entrance where no CCTV camera has been installed. He removed his shoes and kept them in his bag to avoid making any noise and also switched off his phone.”
Officials also said that the accused had been lobbying the building for a while and just wanted to rob someone “rich” before escaping to his home country to take care of his ailing mother. He chose Saif’s house at random.