Actor Saif Ali Khan recently reunited with Bhajan Singh Rana, the autorickshaw driver who rushed him to the hospital after a knife attack on January 16. Saif met Rana for a few minutes at Lilavati Hospital before his discharge, expressing his gratitude by hugging the driver and thanking him for his timely help. Saif’s mother, veteran actress Sharmila Tagore, also conveyed her blessings and appreciation to Rana.

Recalling the incident, Rana shared that he initially thought it was a regular assault case and did not recognize Saif. “I was near the gate when a woman screamed for help, asking me to stop my rickshaw. Saif Ali Khan walked over, injured, and got into the vehicle with a small child and another person. He asked me, ‘Kitna time lagega (How long will it take)?’ as soon as he sat down,” Rana said.

The auto driver managed to get Saif to the hospital within 8-10 minutes. “He was bleeding heavily from his neck and back, and his white kurta was soaked in blood. I didn’t charge him any fare; it felt good to help someone in need,” Rana added.

The attack occurred during a burglary attempt at Saif’s Bandra residence, Satguru Sharan, at around 2:30 am. The intruder, later identified as 30-year-old Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, stabbed Saif six times before fleeing. Saif was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where he underwent two surgeries.

Mumbai Police apprehended the suspect on January 21 from Thane. He was presented before a metropolitan magistrate and remanded to five days of police custody. Investigation into the incident is ongoing.