Saif Ali Khan, who sustained multiple injuries after a violent stabbing attack at his Bandra residence on 16 January, was discharged from the hospital on 21 January. However, the speed of his recovery has sparked scepticism online, with many questioning how the actor appeared so fit post-surgery.
Now, his sister, Saba Pataudi, has hit back at critics. On Tuesday, Saba took to Instagram to share a post addressing the doubts surrounding Saif’s recovery. She re-shared a post by The Filmy Official that read, “Educate yourselves: Doctor explains reason as people call Saif’s recovery ‘quick.’” Adding her own caption, she wrote, “Click on the image to read the full caption,” while highlighting the phrase, “Educate yourself.”
Earlier, Dr. Deepak Krishnamurthy, a prominent cardiologist, had defended Saif’s recovery timeline with a personal example. Sharing a video of his 78-year-old mother walking on the same day as her spine surgery despite also having a fractured foot, he tweeted, “For people doubting if Saif Ali Khan really had a spine surgery (funnily even some doctors!). A younger, fit person can recover even faster. For doctors doubting Saif’s recovery, all I want to say is, get better exposure.”
Doctors treating Saif revealed that one of his injuries was dangerously close to his spine, with a 2.5-inch blade recovered from the area. The actor underwent a six-hour-long surgery and returned home within five days. However, when he was seen stepping out of his residence on 26 January, looking relatively healthy, criticism poured in from politicians and social media users alike, with some questioning the authenticity of his injuries and claiming his recovery was “too fast.”
The attack on Saif Ali Khan
The incident occurred in the early hours of 16 January when an intruder confronted a domestic staff member at Saif’s Bandra home. As the actor intervened, the situation escalated into a violent confrontation, leaving Saif with multiple stab wounds.
Following the attack, Saif was admitted to a Mumbai hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. On 21 January, he was discharged, and since then, he has been under heavy security.
Saba’s response and Dr. Krishnamurthy’s remarks highlight the importance of understanding recovery processes and the variables that influence them, particularly for those in good health like Saif. Despite the backlash, Saif’s family has focused on his recovery and safety, while dismissing conspiracy theories surrounding the incident.