Saheb

Saheb is an honorific title used in the Indian subcontinent and among South Asian diaspora communities. It is a transliteration of the Persian word sahib, meaning owner, master, or gentleman. In languages such as Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, and Bengali, the term is used as a respectful form of address for men and as a polite prefix before a name or role.

Historically, saheb was used in Mughal and British colonial contexts to denote respect toward authority figures or professionals. Locals sometimes addressed shopkeepers, clerks, or other service providers as sahib as a mark of courtesy, and European officers were commonly referred to as sahib by local people and documents. The term also appeared in literature and film to evoke status or authority.

In contemporary usage, sahib or its variant saheb remains a common informal form of address for men, though its connotations can vary by region and tone. It is also encountered in titles and names in popular culture, such as film titles that include the word Sahib or Saheb to suggest dignity or authority.