Life in Mumbai often comes with its share of glamour and chaos but for Soha Ali Khan, one particular night in 2011 was straight out of a nightmare. The actor, who comes from the royal Pataudi family and has always kept a low profile, recently opened up about a terrifying burglary attempt at her home that brought back memories of her brother Saif Ali Khan’s recent house break-in.
In an interview, Soha Ali Khan revealed that both she and Saif have endured the same ordeal of having their homes broken into. Recalling the incident that took place more than a decade ago, she said it happened when she was dating actor Kunal Kemmu. Their peaceful night took a frightening turn when they heard strange noises coming from outside her apartment. When Kunal went to investigate, he found a man trying to force his way in. Startled by Kunal’s sudden appearance, the intruder attempted to escape but slipped in the process. Kunal immediately caught him and handed him over to the police, preventing what could have been a much worse situation.
Soha Ali Khan described the experience as shocking and said that it made her realise how unsafe even familiar spaces could feel. She explained that her old apartment was located on the first floor and was easily accessible from the road, which made it vulnerable to break-ins. She pointed out that such incidents often happen at dawn, a time when most people are in deep sleep. She added that security measures like grills and locks were installed later to prevent similar events.
The actor also reflected on how her mother, veteran actress Sharmila Tagore, had to live through both her children’s homes being targeted.
Earlier this year, a similar incident occurred at Saif Ali Khan’s Bandra home, where an intruder reportedly broke in with the intent to rob. During the confrontation, Saif sustained serious injuries, including one to his thoracic spine. Soha Ali Khan referred to that episode as a “security lapse”, expressing concern over how such incidents continue to happen despite modern safety systems.
Soha Ali Khan, who has carved her own identity in Bollywood with performances in Rang De Basanti, Tum Mile, Chhorri 2 and Mumbai Meri Jaan, has since moved out of the apartment where the burglary took place. She met Kunal Kemmu in 2009 on the sets of Dhundhte Reh Jaoge and the two tied the knot in 2015 after several years of dating. The couple now lives with their daughter Inaya, born in 2017.
Though the terrifying incident is now a memory, Soha Ali Khan’s story serves as a reminder that danger can sometimes be just a window away and that presence of mind, like Kunal’s that night, can make all the difference.
