Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan looked remarkably fit in his first public appearance since getting stabbed last week after an intruder entered his Mumbai home in the early morning hours.

 

Despite getting stabbed six times, Saif Ali Khan looked hale and hearty and in good spirits after being discharged from Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital, a hand brace and faint bandage on his neck the only reminders of his ordeal. His trademark beard was replaced by a clean shaved visage.

 

He waved to fans and the paparazzi, before climbing into a car where his wife Kareena Kapoor was already waiting for him in the backseat. Flashing a smile at the papps, he left in the car for home.

 

Doctors have said that Saif is expected to make a complete recovery.

 

 

Earlier, Bangladeshi national Shariful Islam Shahzad has been arrested for allegedly attacking Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan.

 

The friend and former co-worker of the accused, Rohmat Khan, described him as a kind-hearted man. Speaking with The Indian Express, Khan asserted that he “never imagined he could do such a big crime.”

 

“I have been following the news of the attack on Saif Ali Khan and kept wondering who would intrude upon such a high-profile person and launch an attack. Jitna main jaanta hoon, mujhe laga nahi wou itna barha kuch kar sakta hai (As far as I know, I never thought he could commit such a big crime),” the friend said.

 

According to the police, Shariful Islam Shahzad, originally from Rajabariya village in Jhalokathi district, Bangladesh, used the fake name Vijay Das to conceal his true identity. His real full name is Shariful Islam Sajjad Mohammed Rohilla Amin Fakeer.

 

The Bandra police informed Shahzad’s close friend, Khan, about his arrest since his family members were not in the city. Khan revealed, “He (Das) got the job through a contractor and worked with the Thane branch of Hotel Blabber All Day in the housekeeping section, while I was in the cafeteria section. He seemed to be a kind-hearted man. He never had any argument or fight with anyone and was good at his work.”

 

He also mentioned that Shahzad never opened up about his past, family, or his connection to Bangladesh.

 

 

According to a senior police officer, the accused confessed to the crime during interrogation. However, Shahzad's lawyer strongly refuted the allegations, asserting, "Nothing has been recovered from my client; he is being framed."

 

The lawyer argued in court that the allegations were baseless and that Shahzad was being made a scapegoat in this high-profile case because a celebrity was involved. "This case is the centre of attention because a famous individual has been targeted."

 

Later, speaking to the media, the lawyer reiterated that nothing incriminating was found on Shahzad and emphasised his client's innocence.

 

As per Indian media reports, Shariful Islam Shahzad has been remanded in the custody of Mumbai Police for five days as investigations continue.