In a recent turn of events, Bollywood filmmaker Sajid Khan, sibling to choreographer-director Farah Khan, found himself amidst an unexpected mix-up as news of a namesake’s passing led to confusion among fans and media alike. The unfortunate news of the demise of a veteran South actor, also named Sajid Khan, prompted a swift response from the director, dispelling mistaken reports that had erroneously associated him with the death.
The actor in question, Sajid Khan, renowned for his childhood performance as the younger Birju in Mehboob Khan’s epic drama “Mother India,” and later celebrated for his roles in international films such as “Maya” and “The Singing Filipina,” succumbed to cancer at an early age in his 70s. His passing was a moment of mourning for the industry, as he had contributed significantly to cinema across various cultures.
However, some news outlets confounded the two individuals sharing the same name, resulting in the Bollywood director Sajid Khan receiving messages of condolence. Known for his comedy films and a recent stint on the reality show Bigg Boss 16, Khan took to social media to clarify the mistaken identity with a light-hearted proof of life.
The filmmaker’s Instagram featured a video that opened on a comedic note. Khan was seen shrouded in a white sheet, mimicking ghostly antics before revealing his face to announce his well-being to his audience. With a candid tone, he explained that the Sajid Khan who had passed away was born two decades before him, in 1951. This clarifying gesture was aimed at correcting the spread of misinformation that featured his photo in the wake of the South actor’s death.
The actor Sajid Khan, who left an indelible mark on the silver screen, had been quietly battling cancer for some time. According to his son, Sameer, the actor had chosen to reside in Kerala with his second wife following his retirement from the film industry. His son revealed that Khan was adopted by Rajkumar Pitamber Rana and Sunita Pitamber and later mentored by celebrated filmmaker Mehboob Khan. In his later years, he dedicated his life to philanthropy and settled in the serene surroundings of Kerala, far from the glitz of the cinematic world.
Khan’s final rites were performed at Kayamkulam Town Juma Masjid in Kerala’s Alappuzha district, marking the end of an era for a man who achieved global stardom as a teen idol through his convincing portrayal of Rajji in “Maya”. His stardom not only garnered local admiration but also made waves overseas, notably in the Philippines, where he became a household name due to his association with the superstar Nora Aunor in films such as “The Singing Filipina,” “My Funny Girl,” and “The Prince and I.”
His career also included a guest star appearance in the American TV show “The Big Valley” and roles in revered productions such as the Merchant-Ivory film “Heat and Dust,” where he played a dacoit chief. Despite being less frequent on-screen in his later years, his presence was felt through his philanthropic endeavors and the indelible mark he left on international cinema.
Filmmaker Sajid Khan’s intervention on social media to clarify the case of mistaken identity not only shed light on the differences between two entertainers who shared a common name but also paid homage to the legacy of an actor whose contributions to the celluloid world reached far beyond the confines of Indian cinema. Khan’s humorous approach to addressing the issue not only eased concerns about his own well-being but also subtly reminded the world to remember the distinguished film veteran whose life journey had drawn to a close.
