Saif Ali Khan poses with auto driver who saved him | The Express Tribune

Saif Ali Khan met with Bhajan Singh Rana, the auto-rickshaw driver who rushed him to Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai after he was attacked during a robbery attempt at his Bandra home earlier this month.

The meeting took place on Tuesday, just before the actor was discharged from the hospital.

Pictures of the meeting, shared widely on social media, show the two men posing together in the hospital.

In one image, Saif is seen sitting on a bed with his arm around Rana, while in another, the pair stand together, smiling for the camera. Saif, who had sustained multiple stab wounds during the attack, personally thanked Rana for his quick response in getting him to the hospital.

“I was in pain, but I knew I had to make it to the hospital. Bhajan Singh Rana helped me at a crucial time,” Saif said, as he praised the auto driver for his bravery. Saif also reassured the driver, joking, “Don’t worry about the fare, it will be taken care of.”

The attack occurred on January 16 when Saif was stabbed multiple times by Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, a suspect involved in a robbery attempt.

Rana, who was driving near Saif’s residence, responded to a distress call and rushed to the scene. The actor, visibly injured, was driven to the hospital around 3 a.m.

Rana, who recalled the chaotic moments of that night, shared that Saif had asked him to drive slowly due to the pain. “I just prayed that he would be alright,” Rana said, adding that he later learned he had transported the Bollywood star to the hospital.

At the hospital, Saif was accompanied by his mother, veteran actress Sharmila Tagore, who also thanked Rana for his help. The actor encouraged the auto driver to continue helping others, saying, “Keep helping others like this. And if you ever need help, don’t hesitate to reach out.”

Saif’s family, including wife Kareena Kapoor Khan, have not made public comments regarding the meeting.

The police apprehended the intruder after a three-day manhunt. He allegedly confessed to the attack, stating that he stabbed Saif to free himself after being caught during the robbery.