In his first interview following the stabbing incident on 16 January, actor Saif Ali Khan has addressed and refuted various conspiracy theories surrounding the attack.
Speaking to Delhi Times, Khan candidly responded to the internet's most-asked questions, including queries about his absent driver and rapid recovery.
Addressing speculation over why he took an auto-rickshaw to Lilavati Hospital on the night of the attack and the absence of his driver, Khan remarked, "Nobody stays here all night. Everyone has a home to go to. We have some people staying in the house, but not the drivers. Unless you are going out at night or there's something needed, then you tell them to stay on."
He added, "I would have driven if I could have found the keys. Luckily, I didn’t. I probably should not have wiggled my back much. I'd have driven. I was completely lucid."
The actor explained that calling his driver would have caused delays, prompting him to opt for an auto-rickshaw instead.
On public surprise regarding his swift recovery, Saif Ali Khan clarified that after undergoing two surgeries, he spent five days hospitalised before walking out unaided.
Remarkably, he attended an event merely two weeks later to promote his upcoming film.
Reflecting on public reactions, he noted, "I think it is expected that there will be all kinds of reactions to something like this. There will be people ridiculing it, people not believing it, people making fun of it. And I think that's fine because it is what gives colour to the world. If everyone had a sympathetic reaction to something, it would be flat and dull. And I expected it, then there is no need to react to it."
Addressing claims that it took him 1.5 hours to reach the hospital, Khan denied any such delay, asserting, "I went downstairs and out immediately after the attack."
Regarding the absence of weapons in his Bandra residence, he stated that all items are decorative, expressing his aversion to keeping firearms at home.
Furthermore, Khan confirmed he has no intention of enhancing security at his Mumbai home, reasoning, "Nothing will change. See, if you start doing that... because I don't feel I'm under threat. It was not a premeditated attack. I think it just was a burglary attempt gone wrong. That poor guy, his life is more screwed than mine."
When asked if he would have acted differently during the intrusion, Khan reflected, "I would put on the light and firstly tell him, 'Do you know who I am?' And I think he would say, 'Oh s**t! I'm in the wrong house.' And I'd say, 'Right, put the knife down and let's talk about this.' I think I would have tried to reason. But it was a mixture of anger, outrage, and a kind of defence. It was just too quick. And it was completely instinctive."
Khan sustained six wounds, including two deep ones, during the attack.
He underwent two surgeries on the day of the incident and was discharged from Lilavati Hospital on 21 January.
Making his first public appearance since the assault earlier this month, Khan attended a Netflix India event, promoting his forthcoming film Jewel Thief with his neck bandaged and hand in a cast.
