Actor Zayed Khan recently shared the emotional journey of his elder son, Zidaan Khan, who struggled with a severe respiratory condition throughout his childhood and teenage years. In a recent conversation with his ‘Main Hoon Na‘ co-star Amrita Rao on her YouTube channel, Zayed spoke about a terrifying experience in London when Zidaan faced a life-threatening respiratory attack.
Zayed recalled the incident when Zidaan had a severe attack at just three years old while they were in London. “He came to me and said, ‘Papa, help me, I can’t breathe.’ My wife, who remains calm during medical emergencies, immediately called an ambulance,” he added. However, upon reaching the hospital, they were informed that it was a life-or-death situation.
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Zayed described the harrowing moments when a nurse told them that Zidaan’s condition was critical and asked for permission to administer an adrenaline injection. The London healthcare system promptly mobilized four doctors, prepared for emergency surgery that could have involved cutting Zidaan’s throat if steroids failed to work. Fortunately, the steroids took effect within a few hours, and surgery was avoided.
Doctors informed Zayed Khan that his son would have to live with this respiratory condition permanently and might never be fully healthy. However, Zayed was determined not to let the diagnosis define Zidaan’s life. He encouraged him to participate in outdoor activities such as parkour and high jump. Today, Zidaan is one of the fittest children, defying doctors’ expectations.
Zayed Khan revealed that the respiratory attack in London was not an isolated incident, as Zidaan had to be hospitalized frequently between the ages of 5 and 15. Watching his son suffer took an emotional toll on Zayed, leading him into depression. “I went through depression during that time. I kept praying to God, asking, ‘Why him? Take me instead,’” he shared.
Zayed Khan married Malaika in 2005, and the couple welcomed Zidaan in 2008 and their second son, Ariz, in 2011.
