The connection between Bollywood and the underworld has been entrenched for decades. The underworld’s infiltration into the film industry began in the 1960s when gangsters like Karim Lala and Haji Mastan emerged as both feared crime bosses and powerful benefactors to the film industry. Lala, known for his kidnapping and drug-trafficking empire, was also seen as the go-to problem solver for Bollywood stars. Dilip Kumar once visited him with actress Helen to seek help in resolving a personal issue, and Lala reportedly handled it with his characteristic efficiency.
Popular Indian actor Emraan Hashmi’s role as Shoaib Khan in "Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai" was pivotal for his career. The character, inspired by underworld gangster Dawood Ibrahim, initially met with resistance from his uncle and filmmaker, Mahesh Bhatt.
A deeply worried Dawood Ibrahim is afflicted by bouts of despondency over who would look after and handle his vast underworld empire in the future.
India's SC rejects final mercy plea of a man found guilty of financing the 1993 serial bombings in the western city of Mumbai.
The connection between Bollywood and the underworld has been entrenched for decades. The underworld’s infiltration into the film industry began in the 1960s when gangsters like Karim Lala and Haji Mastan emerged as both feared crime bosses and powerful benefactors to the film industry. Lala, known for his kidnapping and drug-trafficking empire, was also seen as the go-to problem solver for Bollywood stars. Dilip Kumar once visited him with actress Helen to seek help in resolving a personal issue, and Lala reportedly handled it with his characteristic efficiency.
Popular Indian actor Emraan Hashmi’s role as Shoaib Khan in "Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai" was pivotal for his career. The character, inspired by underworld gangster Dawood Ibrahim, initially met with resistance from his uncle and filmmaker, Mahesh Bhatt.
A deeply worried Dawood Ibrahim is afflicted by bouts of despondency over who would look after and handle his vast underworld empire in the future.
India's SC rejects final mercy plea of a man found guilty of financing the 1993 serial bombings in the western city of Mumbai.
