Mumbai: Fellow actors as well as an association of film and television directors condemned the attack on Saif Ali Khan at his Bandra home Wednesday which left him with six stab wounds that required surgery.
Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association president Ashoke Pandit told news agency ANI that the attack on the film star in his own house was a matter of concern. “IFTDA condemns this attack. The concern is about the security of the building, the security agencies of the building, as to how an intruder reaches the 12th floor and enters the house. This is a matter of investigation,” he said.
Messages of disbelief and sympathy poured in from fellow actors, while Maharashtra’s opposition parties took on the BJP-led ruling coalition over the capital city’s “collapsed law and order”.
The sentiment was echoed by actor and director Pooja Bhatt, who too questioned the “lawlessness” in the city, saying she had never felt so unsafe.
According to the police, the intruder managed to sneak up to Saif’s 12th floor apartment in the Bandra building in order to rob it.
Bhatt tagged the Mumbai Police in her post on ‘X’, saying: “Can this lawlessness please be curbed @MumbaiPolice @CPMumbaiPolice. We need more Police presence in Bandra. The city & especially the queen of the suburbs, have never felt so unsafe before.”
Reports said Saif fought off the intruder without any weapon, attempting to protect his family during the early morning attack. He was operated upon at Lilavati Hospital where he was admitted around 3.30 am with six stab wounds, two deep and one near the spine.
Actor Chiranjeevi condemned the attack on Saif, writing on ‘X’: “Deeply disturbed by news of the attack by an intruder on #SaifAliKhan. Wishing and praying for his speedy recovery.”
Jr NTR, who recently shared the screen with Saif in Telugu hit ‘Devara’, posted on ‘X’, “Shocked and saddened to hear about the attack on Saif sir. Wishing and praying for his speedy recovery and good health.”
Actor and BJP MP Ravi Kishan, who worked with Saif in films like ‘Agent Vinod’ and ‘Bullet Raja’, said the incident was saddening.
“He’s my friend and co-actor… Government and police administration is working to nab the culprits. The culprit will be caught soon, Mumbai police has a good reputation. He’ll be given strict punishment. Security of actors should be given importance. I pray to lord that Saif recovers soon,” Kishan told PTI.
Filmmaker Kunal Kohli told India Today that the actor was ‘stable’ after surgery. “I have been in touch with the people close to the family and got updates. I want to give the family space and would urge all to give them space. The fact that he is stable and recovering well is heartwarming. I hope they (Kareena and her children) are good. It will take a lot of time for them to process it. It’s a trauma that will not be over in a day,” the ‘Hum Tum’ director said, stressing the need for heightened security.
Earlier in the day, Saif’s team said there was an “attempted burglary” at his residence. “He is currently in hospital undergoing a surgery. We request the media and fans to be patient. It is a police matter. We will keep you updated on the situation,” it said.
In a statement, Lilavati Hospital said the operating team was led by neurosurgeon Dr Nitin Dange, cosmetic surgeon Dr Leena Jain, and anaesthesiologist Dr Nisha Gandhi.
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