Stepping out of Mumbai’s Arthur Road jail in May after 26 months felt nothing short of a “miracle” for Ajaz Khan. He was detained by the NCB at the Mumbai airport in connection with a drug case in 2021 and was arrested in March same year.

Talking about his time in jail for over two years, he says, “One day feels like a year inside the jail. I don’t want to say anything about the person who made the case against me (refers to Sameer Wankhede), and the world is witnessing what’s happening to him. I wish him good luck. I was considered guilty even before the verdict was pronounced. I was finally granted bail by the Supreme Court, but I was in jail for 26 months and I missed out on work and my son’s growing-up years.”

Speaking further about the tough life in jail, he shares, “The Arthur Road jail is probably the most crowded in the world with 3,500 people imprisoned against the capacity of 800 prisoners. Ek toilet mein 400 log jaate hain. Imagine the state of that toilet! I went through anxiety and depression. It was tough but I had to survive for my family, which comprises my 85-year-old father, wife and son. I met many people, including former state home minister Anil Deshmukh, Sanjay Raut, Armaan Kohli, Aryan Khan and Raj Kundra, inside the jail. You wouldn’t want even your enemy to go through this. I initially refused to meet my son as I didn’t want him to see me in prison, but met him eventually after six months, as I wanted him to know my story from me and become strong for the world. He is fine now and turning out to be a good footballer.”

The actor has written a book on his experience inside the jail. He shares, “It’s not just my story but of 3,500 prisoners and their ordeal. I want to turn it into a web series and will soon start approaching studios. My only condition is that I will play myself in it. Ideally for such a show, real prisoners who are out should be cast, as only they can depict the real ordeal.” He adds, “I also want to return to work with a good role. I have worked with big stars in the South. I will ask them for work, and I am sure they will offer me something.”

Ajaz vows to steer clear of controversies and focus on his family and work. He says, “I don’t want to get embroiled in controversies. I have a son to raise and my father to look after; my first responsibility is towards my family. I have now become Godfearing, humble and non-judgemental.”

The former Bigg Boss 7 contestant has had a few run-ins with the law in the past. He was accused of sending lewd messages to a model in June 2016 and was also alleged to be in possession of banned drugs in October 2018.

He says, “Where is the girl who accused me of sending her lewd messages? I should have been behind bars if it was true. About the second allegation, I was framed and that’s why I was released in 10 days. I believe that some people wanted to tarnish my image.”

He was also arrested in July 2019 for an objectionable post on social media and was in police custody for two days. He says, “I have learnt my lesson and will stay away from posting my opinions on social media.”