Bollywood filmmaker Sajid Khan, known for movies like Housefull, Heyy Babyy, and Himmatwala, made headlines back in 2018 when multiple women accused him of sexual harassment during the MeToo movement. The director then lost Housefull 4 to Farhad Samji.
He recently revealed that in the past six years he contemplated “ending his life” several times; however, now he is trying to get back on the track. Breaking his silence for the first time, the 54-year-old director told HT City in an interview that the allegations took a toll on him physically and emotionally.
He said, “I thought of ending my life many times in the last 6 years. It’s been extremely bad, in the sense that I’ve been out of work, despite getting a clearance from the Indian Film and Television Directors Association (IFTDA). I’m trying to get back on my feet.”
Following the accusations, Sajid’s career was significantly affected, leading to loss of work opportunities. This also forced him to sell his house and move to a rented apartment. In the same interview, Sajid Khan shared that he used to rely on “offensive humour,” believing that “offence is the best defence,” but claimed he is more controlled and reserved.
“I’ve learned the hard way. I never disrespected women, and I never will. My mother raised me to believe in gender equality. I didn’t realise my words would make me pay such a huge price,” he added.
Further, Khan also shared that he had concealed losing Housefull 4 from his mother, Menaka Irani, for 10 years to protect her health. He also revealed that his mother passed away because she kept worrying about him, which caused her mental stress. Menaka Irani died in 2024 due to prolonged illness.
Sajid Khan was last seen as a participant in the reality show Bigg Boss 16, which started in 2022.