Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan has had emergency neurosurgery surgery after he was stabbed six times at his home in Mumbai, India, on Thursday.
One cut was deep and close to the spine, according to his surgeon.
The screen star was attacked in the early hours at his family home, according to his representatives, after an unidentified man entered the property.
“An argument broke out between Khan and the intruder,” said Mumbai’s Deputy Commissioner of Police Dixit Gedam.#
Newsweek has contacted a representative of Saif Ali Khan via email for comment.
Khan, 54, was taken to Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital, where he is now reported to be in a stable condition. Speaking with BBC Marathi, Dr. Niraj Uttamani, the hospital’s chief operating officer, said Khan had received six stab wounds, two of which were deep.
“We conducted a neurosurgery on the back,” Uttamani told local media. “The cut was deep and close to the spine. There is also a foreign particle, most likely a piece of the knife lodged there.”
Saif Ali Khan is pictured on August 18, 2024 in Mumbai, India. The Bollywood actor was hospitalized on Thursday after he was stabbed by an intruder at his home. Saif Ali Khan is pictured on August 18, 2024 in Mumbai, India. The Bollywood actor was hospitalized on Thursday after he was stabbed by an intruder at his home. Prodip Guha/Getty Images
A statement released on behalf of Khan’s wife, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Thursday said: “There was an attempted burglary at Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan’s residence last night. Saif had an injury on his arm for which he is in hospital, undergoing a procedure. The rest of the family is doing fine.
“We request media and fans to be patient and not speculate any further as the Police are already doing their due investigations. Thank you all for your concern.”
Newsweek has contacted a representative of Saif Ali Khan via email for comment.
Who Is Saif Ali Khan?
Born in New Delhi, Saif Ali Khan is the son of actress Sharmila Tagore and Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, who captained the Indian cricket team in the 1960s.
Educated in the U.K, he made his debut in India’s Hindi Bollywood film industry in 1993, after landing a role in the action movie Parampara, and became known for his comic timing.
Saif Ali Khan went on to star in scores of movies, the most popular of which include the romantic comedies Dil Chahta Hai (2001), Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), and Hum Tum (2004). His action movie Tanhaji (2020) was also a box office hit.
Over the years, Saif Ali Khan has received numerous awards, including seven Filmfare Awards and a National Film Award. In 2010, he received the Padma Shri, which is the fourth highest Indian civilian award.
Saif Ali Khan is descended from a family of former Nawabs who ruled the small princely state of Pataudi, close to Delhi.
Who Is Saif Ali Khan’s Wife Kareena Kapoor Khan?
Hailing from Mumbai, Kareena Kapoor Khan, 44, is also a prolific screen star, having made a name for herself as a prolific leading lady since making her acting debut in the 2000 romantic drama Refugee.
She was born into the Kapoor family, known for being prominent in India’s entertainment industry for at least four generations. Her parents are actors Babita and Randhir Kapoor. Her elder sister is actress Karisma Kapoor.
After making her screen debut, Kareena Kapoor Khan landed several roles, winning acclaim and box office success in the commercial blockbuster Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham…, which was released in 2001.
Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan are pictured on October 28, 2023 in Mumbai, India. The stars have been married since 2012. Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan are pictured on October 28, 2023 in Mumbai, India. The stars have been married since 2012. Anurag Kabbur for IMDb/Getty Images
One of Hindi cinema’s highest paid actresses, she has a string of box office hits to her name, including 3 Idiots (2009), Golmaal 3 (2010), Bodyguard (2011), Singham Returns (2014), Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015), and Good Newwz (2019). Her honors include six Filmfare Awards.
Outside of acting, Kareena Kapoor Khan has her own clothing and cosmetics lines, and since 2014 has worked with UNICEF to advocate for girls’ education.
She and Saif Ali Khan married in 2012. They have two children.
What Do We Know About the Attacker?
Currently, little is known about the attacker, who is believed to have entered the Khans’ property alone, according to local reports.
Police said the intruder had an altercation with a staffer in the Khans’ home after entering the property, according to The Times of India. Saif Ali Khan was reportedly stabbed after attempting to intervene in the scuffle.
Police are looking for the attacker.
What Has Been Said So Far?
Police and the Khan family have stated that they believe the stabbing was the result of a foiled burglary attempt.
By noon, the actor’s team said in a statement that the he had “come out of surgery” and was “out of danger.”
Police are continuing to investigate.
