Who is Afsar Zaidi? The man behind Saif Ali Khan’s hospital paperwork and much more

Afsar Zaidi

Afsar Zaidi, a close friend of Saif Ali Khan, has found himself in the spotlight following the actor’s stabbing incident at his Bandra residence. As reports emerged about Zaidi’s involvement in Saif’s hospital admission, many are curious about the man whose name surfaced during the police investigation. Zaidi clarified that he received a call from the Pataudi family around 3:30 am, asking him to assist with Saif’s paperwork at Lilavati Hospital, as Saif’s son Taimur, who accompanied him, was too young to handle the formalities.

But who exactly is Afsar Zaidi?

Zaidi is a multifaceted entrepreneur known for his contributions to the entertainment and business worlds. He co-founded The House of Pataudi, Saif Ali Khan’s apparel brand, which blends contemporary styles with regal Pataudi heritage.

His journey began in 2005 when he founded Exceed Entertainment, a celebrity management powerhouse. Under Zaidi’s leadership, Exceed represented some of India’s biggest stars, including Hrithik Roshan, Priyanka Chopra, and Saif Ali Khan, establishing itself as a cornerstone of the entertainment industry.

Zaidi’s entrepreneurial prowess extends beyond talent management. He co-owns HRX, one of India’s leading fitness brands, alongside Hrithik Roshan. As CEO and co-founder, Zaidi played a pivotal role in HRX’s meteoric rise. The brand has surpassed Rs 1,000 crore in revenue, competing with global giants like Nike, Puma, and Decathlon. Zaidi’s strategic vision also helped HRX establish a strong foothold in the e-commerce space through partnerships with platforms like Myntra, achieving rapid growth in its early years.

From his early days as a sports management professional at Mahesh Bhupathi’s Globosport to founding and leading multiple ventures, Zaidi’s journey exemplifies entrepreneurial grit. His knack for innovation and deal-making transformed him into a significant figure in India’s entertainment and lifestyle industries.

Afsar Zaidi is more than just Saif Ali Khan’s friend—he’s a business magnate with a legacy of success across entertainment, fashion, and fitness.