On the night of January 16, Saif Ali Khan faced a terrifying and life-threatening ordeal when an intruder attempted a burglary at his Bandra home. The actor was stabbed multiple times, sustaining serious injuries to his neck and back. However, thanks to the timely intervention of Bhajan Singh Rana, an auto driver, Saif’s life was saved. Rana’s swift action to take him to Lilavati Hospital helped get the actor the urgent medical care he needed, after which he underwent two surgeries to treat his wounds.
On Tuesday, after being discharged from the hospital, Saif Ali Khan met with Rana to personally thank him for his courageous act. The meeting was an emotional one for both, as Saif embraced the driver and expressed his gratitude. The actor’s mother, the renowned Sharmila Tagore, also took a moment to thank Rana, offering her blessings for his role in saving her son’s life.
Speaking to India Today TV, Bhajan Singh Rana shared his recollections of that fateful night. He recalled how, when Saif first got into his autorickshaw, he calmly asked, "Kitna time lagega?" (How long will it take?) to reach the hospital. Initially, Rana did not recognize Saif and assumed it was a typical case of someone needing help after an assault. He described hearing a woman scream for help near the gate of Saif's residence, and it was only then that he realized the gravity of the situation.
Rana remembered how, despite the severity of his injuries, Saif walked towards him and climbed into the autorickshaw. Along with Saif, a child and another individual were also in the vehicle. As the rickshaw sped towards the hospital, Rana could see the extent of the actor’s injuries — his white kurta was soaked with blood, and it was evident that he had lost a significant amount of blood. Despite the severity of the situation, Rana remained focused on getting Saif to the hospital as quickly as possible. His willingness to assist without any hesitation was vital in saving the actor's life.
Rana’s decision to not take any fare from Saif Ali Khan during such a distressing time was a gesture of humanity, showing his genuine desire to help rather than profit from the situation. This kind of selflessness is what made Rana a local hero, and Saif’s heartfelt thanks highlighted how much he appreciated this extraordinary act of kindness.
The incident also drew attention to the brutality of the attack. Saif Ali Khan was stabbed six times by Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, a 30-year-old Bangladeshi national who had entered Saif’s home to rob him. After the attack, Saif was rushed to the hospital and treated for his injuries. The Mumbai Police arrested Shehzad in Thane and later presented him in a court, where he was remanded to five days of police custody. The case has shocked many, but Saif’s survival and the quick response from Bhajan Singh Rana have offered a sense of hope and gratitude in the midst of the tragedy.
As Saif Ali Khan recovers from this traumatic event, his encounter with Bhajan Singh Rana serves as a reminder of the impact that small acts of bravery can have in moments of crisis. Rana, a seemingly ordinary individual, became an integral part of Saif's journey from danger to safety, and his selflessness has been widely celebrated. Saif’s emotional meeting with Rana reflects a deep sense of appreciation for the auto driver’s actions, and it highlights the essential role that everyday heroes play in ensuring the safety and well-being of others.
The incident, which has garnered widespread media attention, has also led to a broader conversation about the risks that public figures face and the importance of public vigilance. In this case, it was the quick thinking and decisive actions of Bhajan Singh Rana that made all the difference in preventing what could have been a far more devastating outcome. It also serves as a poignant reminder of the often overlooked yet essential role that individuals like Rana play in their communities, especially in times of crisis.
For Saif, the attack has undoubtedly been a traumatic experience, but it has also highlighted the value of human connection and the importance of gratitude. His encounter with Rana not only symbolizes his gratitude for the auto driver’s life-saving actions but also underscores the power of kindness and how it can transcend ordinary circumstances to create extraordinary moments of heroism.
