‘I just wanted to help’: Rickshaw driver reflects on saving Saif Ali Khan’s life

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Auto-rickshaw driver Bhajan Singh Rana, who rushed Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan to the hospital following a stabbing at his Bandra residence, has expressed his happiness at being able to save a life.

In an interview, Rana recounted the dramatic events of Thursday morning, which saw the actor attacked by an intruder at his home.

Rana, who typically works nights, was driving his rickshaw when a woman approached him with urgent news: “Maar laga hai, hospital jaana hai” (He’s injured, we need to go to the hospital).

Rana, initially unaware of the identity of his passenger, described the scene as chaotic. “I didn’t recognise him. I just saw a man bleeding and wanted to help,” he said, adding that there was also a young child and another person with Saif at the time.

Upon arriving at the hospital, Saif reportedly identified himself and urgently requested medical attention: “Main Saif Ali Khan hoon. Mera jaldi se treatment chalu karo” (I am Saif Ali Khan. Start my treatment quickly).

Despite not yet being questioned by the police, Rana expressed pride in his actions. "I feel good that I have saved someone’s life. I was just doing my duty as a human being," he said.

When asked about meeting Saif again, Rana added, "If Saif wishes to meet me, I would definitely meet him. If he wants to give me a gift, how can I say no?"

The stabbing incident, which has left the Bollywood community in shock, took place early on Thursday when an intruder entered Saif’s Bandra residence through the fire exit.

Police believe the attacker was attempting to rob the actor’s home. The assailant fled the scene immediately after the attack, and CCTV footage of the incident has surfaced, showing the suspect's escape.

Khan, who underwent emergency surgery to treat spinal fluid leakage and remove the knife, is currently in stable condition and recovering well.

The Mumbai Police have launched an investigation into the incident, with the crime branch also conducting a parallel probe. CCTV footage and witness accounts are helping authorities track down the suspect.