Some Lesser Known Facts About Dawood Ibrahim

• Dawood Ibrahim, an Indian criminal, crime lord, and mafia boss, is a person of interest in the 1993 Bombay bombings. Additionally, he holds the designation of a Specially Designated Global Terrorist and is responsible for leading the international criminal organization known as D-Company.

• Due to his father’s financial difficulties, he left Ahmed Sailor High School. Shortly after, Dawood formed a small group of Dongri boys who were involved in illegal activities such as smuggling and violence. This caused issues for Haji Mastan, who was the dominant figure in the criminal underworld, along with Karim Lala’s Pathan gang. After Dawood’s gang caused trouble for Haji Mastan’s clan, two members of Dawood’s gang were killed by Haji Mastan, which led to a deep-seated animosity between the two gangs when Dawood was just 19 years old.

• Dawood and his brother Shabir Ibrahim Kaskar, driven by a burning desire for vengeance, formed a gang in 1970. This gang would later evolve into the notorious crime syndicate known as D-Company, gaining infamy across the globe.

• Dawood discovered that Haji Mastan had hired a group of Pathans to attack his gang. He received information from an informant about a courier transporting Rs. 4,75,000 of Haji Mastan’s money from Masjid Bunder to his house in Malabar Hill, Bombay. Seizing the opportunity for revenge, Dawood gathered eight boys, weapons, and tools, and went to intercept the taxi carrying the courier. However, upon stealing it, he realized that it belonged to the Metropolitan Bank, resulting in the largest bank robbery in Bombay at the time. The case was then handed over to the Crime Branch team, where Dawood’s father worked as a police constable. Ibrahim Kaskar, Dawood’s father, brought him to the police station and forced him to confess his involvement. Although Dawood and eight members of his gang were charged with robbery, the Crime Branch offered him a deal to help capture the Pathan gang, which he gladly accepted. The case against Dawood for the robbery dragged on for 15 years, and in 1989, all members of his gang except for Sher Singh, Sayed Sultan, and Dawood himself were released. A non-bailable arrest warrant was issued against him in 1992 after the police appealed to the High Court and then the Supreme Court of India. [13] The Quint

• According to reports, Khalid Pehelwan, a smuggler, played a significant role in mentoring Dawood Ibrahim and encouraging him to engage in violent activities. Khalid Pehelwan was always by Dawood’s side, guiding him throughout their time together. In the book “Dawood’s Mentor: The Man Who Made India’s Biggest Don” by S. Hussain Zaidi, it is mentioned that Khalid Khan, also known as Khalid Pehelwan, taught Dawood knife fighting skills. Additionally, Khalid provided Dawood with training in unarmed close combat, displaying a strong protective instinct towards him. Sources reveal that Khalid prepared Dawood for various possible scenarios he might encounter. In the book, Khalid advised Dawood that his agility and sharpness would be crucial assets in a fight, as his physical strength alone would not be sufficient. Khalid emphasized that individuals with larger builds typically lack the agility and nimble movement needed in combat. Khalid suggested a few strategies for defeating an opponent. One option was delivering a powerful headbutt directly to the adversary’s nose. Another option involved exerting full strength to stomp on the enemy’s big toe. If these tactics were not feasible, Khalid recommended creating distance between oneself and the opponent. This could be achieved by pulling one’s back away from them, bending the knees, and executing a move known as “dhobi pachad” or a washerman’s throw in wrestling, which effectively throws the opponent off one’s back.

• On February 12, 1981, Shabir Kaskar, the older brother of Dawood Ibrahim, was killed by Samad Khan and two others from the Pathans gang near Siddhivinayak Temple. Although Dawood managed to escape, the death of his brother deeply affected him. In his quest for revenge, he initiated a gang war against the Pathans, ultimately emerging as the unchallenged leader of Bombay’s mafia world. In 1986, Dawood avenged his brother’s death by executing Samad Khan. This period saw the most brutal and deadly gang wars in Bombay’s history. Despite rumors of Haji Mastan’s retirement, Dawood Ibrahim’s D-Company became the dominant force in the city.

• Dawood Ibrahim, along with Tiger Memon and Yakub Memon, was implicated as one of the main orchestrators behind the 1993 Bombay bombings. These bombings involved a series of approximately 12 explosions that occurred in various public places in Bombay, including the Bombay Stock Exchange, Century Bazaar, Fisherman’s Colony in Mahim Causeway, Katha Bazaar, Zaveri Bazaar, Sea Rock Hotel, Air India Building, Juhu Centaur Hotel, and others. The bombings resulted in the deaths of over 250 individuals and left around 700 injured. A photograph taken after one of the explosions in North Worli, Mumbai, depicts the devastating aftermath.<br><br>According to reports, Tiger Memon allegedly fled to Dubai a day before the bombings and later sought refuge in Pakistan, where he was believed to have been with Dawood Ibrahim, a notorious criminal on India’s most-wanted list. However, Dawood Ibrahim denied any involvement in the Bombay bomb blasts during an interview. He expressed concerns that if an official were to confirm his innocence, it would be suspected that he had bribed them, leading to the dismissal of their testimony. The credibility of anyone who exonerates me from these accusations will be doubted. Even if someone familiar with the facts asserts my innocence, they will be accused of accepting bribes from me. A law enforcement officer, with whom I have discussed this matter extensively, conveyed to me that he firmly believes in my innocence. However, if he were to speak up now, he would need to resign. If he chooses not to resign, he would face suspension.
• After the 1993 Bombay blasts, Dawood Ibrahim reportedly fled to Karachi, Pakistan, where he established his base. As a result, D-Company strengthened its ties with Lashkar-e-Taiba and ISI. The Mumbai attacks caused divisions within D-Company, leading some members to leave due to increased communal tension. One of Dawood’s key aides, Chhota Rajan, broke away from the gang as he disagreed with Dawood’s involvement in inciting communal violence in Mumbai. Rajan then formed his own criminal group, mainly consisting of Hindu mobsters. It is believed that Rajan started providing Indian intelligence agencies with information about Dawood’s role in the 1993 Mumbai bombings. In an attempt to project himself as a “patriotic” criminal, Rajan allegedly ordered the assassinations of individuals involved in planning the bombings, resulting in the deaths of Saleem Kurla in April 1998, Mohammed Jindran in June 1998, and Majeed Khan on March 1, 1999.

• Gulshan Kumar, the founder and music composer of T-Series, was killed by members of D-Company on 12 August 1997. Abu Salem, a member of Dawood’s gang in Dubai, allegedly made threats to Kumar on 5 and 9 August 1997, demanding a payment of Rs. 10 crores. When Kumar refused to pay, Abdul Rauf, also known as Daud Merchant and a henchman of Dawood, shot him dead at close range in Jeet Nagar, Versova, Mumbai. During the same year, D-Company reportedly made an attempt to murder producer Rajiv Rai and threatened filmmaker Subash Ghai. In Jeet Nagar, Versova, Mumbai, Dawood’s henchmen launched an attack on Gulshan Kumar.

• According to reports, D-Company has allegedly provided financial support to several Bollywood films, including ‘Chori Chori Chupke Chupke’ starring Salman Khan. Chhota Shakeel, a prominent member of the organization, is believed to have played a crucial role in funding these movies. Additionally, the group is known for engaging in extortion activities targeting Bollywood directors, which has become a profitable source of income for them. Notable directors like Boney Kapoor, Rakesh Roshan, and Mukesh Bhatt have openly admitted to receiving intimidating calls demanding profit-sharing. They were warned of serious consequences if they refused to comply.

• In addition, he was involved with the Karim Lala Gang.

• In 2011, Forbes ranked him as the third most wanted fugitive in The World’s 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list.

• Dawood Ibrahim’s impact on cricket affairs is widely recognized, as he was a regular presence at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates.

• During the 1986 Sharjah Tournament, Indian cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar claimed that Dawood had intruded into the Indian Cricket Team’s dressing room and made a proposition. Dawood allegedly promised to gift a car to every Indian player if they emerged victorious against Pakistan in the Sharjah Cup Final.

• According to reports, Dawood is said to have multiple passports in his possession. These include Passport No. G-866537 issued from Rawalpindi, C-267185 issued from Karachi, G-886537 issued from Rawalpindi, and KC-285901 issued from Karachi. The information was reported by The Indian Express.

• According to sources, Dawood is known for his extravagant lifestyle, which includes owning the magnificent Burney House in Karachi along with other properties. In his book, ‘Dongri to Dubai: Six Decades of the Mumbai Mafia,’ journalist S. Hussain Zaidi provides a glimpse into Burney House, describing it as a luxurious sanctuary. The house boasts a temperature-controlled swimming pool, a tennis court, a billiards room, and a jogging track. Zaidi also reveals that the house is adorned with opulent Swarovski crystal masterpieces, featuring a breathtaking waterfall and a swimming pool with a controlled temperature. Additionally, Dawood is known for his impeccable sense of style, often wearing stylish suits tailored from London’s prestigious Savile Row. When he travels, he is accompanied by a group of Rangers from the Pakistani paramilitary, surpassing even the security measures of the country’s president.
• Ghulam Hasnain, a Pakistani journalist, claims that Dawood Ibrahim has a luxurious lifestyle, wearing high-end fashion clothing and spending his money on prostitutes. Dawood’s extravagant lifestyle includes tailor-stitched suits from Saville Row, accessories from Patek Philippe, and a collection of luxury cars such as Mercedes and sports cars. However, according to Dawood’s childhood friends in Mumbai, he initially did not prefer branded clothes and instead opted for tailor-stitched ones. It is said that a particular tailor, Genuis Tailor in Mumbai, used to stitch all of Dawood’s clothes before he fled to Dubai. Hasnain once described Ibrahim’s lifestyle as resembling that of royalty, with a lavish mansion spanning 6,000 square yards, featuring amenities like a pool, tennis courts, a snooker room, and a state-of-the-art private gym. Dawood adorns himself with designer attire, drives high-end Mercedes vehicles and luxurious four-wheel drives, and proudly displays a Patek Phillipe wristwatch worth half a million rupees. Additionally, he spends his money lavishly on both aspiring celebrities and escorts.

• Dawood Ibrahim is widely rumored to be a chain smoker and has frequently been seen indulging in smoking during various occasions.

• Zee News reports that Dawood Ibrahim used to favor Johnnie Walker Black Label whiskey, as per reliable sources.

• Bollywood filmmakers have shown a great fascination for Dawood Ibrahim, which is evident through the production of several films that revolve around his life story. Some notable examples include ‘D’ (2005), ‘Shootout at Lokhandwala’ (2007), ‘Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai’ (2010), and ‘Once Upon A Time in Mumbai Dobaara!’ (2013).

• On December 23, 2015, Dawood’s green sedan was set ablaze in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. Swami Chakrapani, an Indian political activist, bought the car for a mere Rs 32,000 at an auction in Mumbai on December 9, 2015, and had it transported to Delhi. Initially, Chakrapani had planned to convert the car into an ambulance, but after receiving threats from Dawood Ibrahim’s associates, he decided to publicly burn it as a response. Our organization has chosen to carry out this act between 1 PM and 2 PM in Indrapuram, Ghaziabad. This symbolic gesture represents the end of the reign of terrorism inflicted upon our country, especially in Mumbai, by Dawood and his associates. Chakrapani Maharaj, a right-wing activist, and his followers set Dawood’s car on fire, causing it to burst into flames near Delhi in Indirapuram, Ghaziabad.
• The Ministry of Finance auctioned three of Dawood’s properties in South Mumbai on 14 November 2017 under the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (SAFEMA) (Forfeiture of Properties) Act. The auction was held at the Indian Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Churchgate, Mumbai. The properties included ‘Hotel Ronak Afroz’ (now called Delhi Zaika) on Pakmodia Street, ‘Shabnam Guest House’ on Yakoob Street, and six flats (Flat numbers: 18-20, 25, 26, and 28) in the Damarwala Building, also on Pakmodia Street. The Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust (SBUT) has successfully acquired all three properties, paying Rs. 4.53 crore for Hotel Ronak Afroz, Rs. 3 crores for Shabnam Guest House, and Rs. 3.53 crore for the six flats in the Damarwala building. The total purchase price for these properties was approximately Rs. 11.06 crore.
• The Quint reported that as per intelligence reports from India and Russia, D-Company provided a boat and weapons to the ten terrorists of Lashkar-e-Taiba who infiltrated Mumbai via the sea on 26 November 2008. The terrorists carried out a destructive assault in South Mumbai, leading to the tragic loss of approximately 173 lives.

• According to sources, Dawood allegedly had control over nearly 70% of India’s $1 billion piracy market.

• Dawood has been alleged by multiple media outlets to have previously controlled Pakistan’s transportation sector, as well as providing financial support to transportation companies operating beyond Karachi.

• Supreme Court advocate Ajay Srivastava reportedly acquired Dawood’s family house in Mumbake village of Ratnagiri district in Maharashtra on 13 November 2021. His intention is to transform the property into a school following the gurukul or madrasa teaching system. During an interview, Srivastava revealed that he faced threats from Chhota Shakeel back in 2001 when he initially tried to purchase the house through an auction. Srivastava emphasized that his decision to participate in the government auction is solely based on his constitutional rights and not influenced by any religious bias. The photograph captures Srivastava standing on the deteriorated house that was once occupied by Dawood’s family.

Some Lesser Known Facts About Tillu Tajpuri

• Tillu Tajpuria, a Delhi-based Indian gangster, had a notorious reputation for engaging in a range of criminal activities such as murder, car theft, and extortion. Tragically, he met his demise on 2 May 2023 when he was attacked by rival gang members while incarcerated at Tihar Jail.

• In his college years, Tillu had a close friendship with Jitender Gogi, who had connections to the criminal underworld. However, their relationship took a turn when Tillu and Gogi found themselves on opposing sides during the college elections. They each supported different candidates for the position of Vice-President in the student elections. Surprisingly, instead of participating directly, Tajpuria and Gogi chose to exert their influence on the candidates. It remains unclear why these once inseparable friends decided to back separate candidates, resulting in their association with local criminals. An interesting fact is that Gogi’s first encounter with the law occurred in 2008 in Alipur, where he was involved in a violent altercation with fellow students outside the college. He faced charges of attempted murder at that time.

• Afterwards, Gogi formed alliances with a group of criminals, while Tillu also began developing connections with notorious individuals such as Neeraj Bawana, Naveen Bali, Sunil Rathi, and Cheenu.

• The war between the Tillu gang and the Gogi gang began after the murder of Tillu’s close associate, ‘Raju Chor’, by the Gogi gang on January 21, 2015. The rivalry between the two gangs escalated with each passing day, resulting in a string of murders of gang members. Sumit and Devendra Pradhan from Tillu’s gang were killed, while Arun Commando and Niranjan Master from Gogi’s gang met the same fate.

• In 2016, Tillu and his associate, also known as Vicky, were apprehended for their involvement in the murder of Niranjan from Ghuskani village in Rohtak. Prior to their arrest, the local authorities had offered a reward of Rs. 50,000 to anyone who could provide information leading to their capture. [6] Jagran.

• The flames of vengeance did not cease there, as in 2018, a fierce battle erupted between the rival gangs in Burari, Delhi, resulting in the tragic deaths of four individuals. Regrettably, amidst this gang warfare, a number of innocent bystanders also lost their lives.

• While Tillu was serving his time in Tihar Jail, Delhi, in 2021, he devised a plan to murder Gogi. On the 24th of September, Tillu’s accomplices, Umang Yadav and Vinay, disguised themselves as lawyers and attended the Rohini Court in Delhi. When Gogi arrived at the court with the police officials for a hearing, one of Tillu’s associates shot him, resulting in his death. It is said that Tillu was engaged in a live video chat at the time of the incident. According to sources, Tillu frequently checked on their progress, asking about their whereabouts and the estimated time it would take for them to reach the Rohini court. Upon realizing that the assailants were inside the courtroom, surrounded by a heavy police presence, Tillu understood that their escape would be difficult. Consequently, Tillu contacted two other suspects, Vinay and Umang, to inquire about their locations. Upon discovering that they were at the parking lot, Tillu advised them to flee.

• On 2 May 2023, in the morning, Tillu Tajpuriya was attacked by his rivals while he was in Tihar Jail. Subsequently, he was transferred to Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital in New Delhi, where he was pronounced dead. Akshat Kaushal, Additional DCP West District, Delhi Police, provided the details of the assault, stating that Yogesh, also known as Tunda, and Deepak, also known as Teetar, assaulted Tillu Tajpuriya by forcefully breaking the iron grills that separated the two gangs within the same ward.

• Tillu Tajpuria’s unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva was evident as he tightly held a plate embellished with a divine depiction of the deity.

• Tillu Tajpuria could frequently be seen indulging in hookah smoking on different occasions.

Some Lesser Known Facts About Lawrence Bishnoi

• In 2022, Lawrence Bishnoi, an Indian gangster, gained notoriety for his involvement in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala. Additionally, in 2018, Bishnoi made headlines by issuing threats against Salman Khan for his involvement in blackbuck hunting.

• Born into a Punjabi family, he was given the name Lawrence by his mother due to his fair complexion at birth. Throughout his childhood, he was affectionately referred to as ‘Milky’ due to his bright skin tone. Initially, his father served as a police constable but eventually transitioned into farming. It is rumored that he is the owner of ancestral land estimated to be worth approximately Rs. 7.20 crores. [13] Dainik Bhaskar

• Since childhood, he had a keen interest in sports. During his college years, he would engage in wrestling practice at an akhara located behind Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh.

• During his time in college, he held the position of student leader in the Student Organisation of Panjab University (SOPU). Although he contested the college president elections, he unfortunately did not emerge as the victor, resulting in a rivalry between him and the opposing party. At one point, he resorted to firing shots at the opposing group, leading to a legal case being filed against him in 2011. Lawrence Bishnoi eventually assumes the presidency of SOPU.

• According to reports, Bishnoi’s guru is said to be gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuri. Lawrence Bishnoi is seen in the company of his mentor, Jaggu Bhagwanpuri.

• During an examination in 2010, he was apprehended for cheating by using a hidden piece of paper. When the invigilator attempted to confiscate his exam paper, he made a daring escape by leaping out of a window from the ground floor, clutching his answers. In an interview, his educators described him as a confrontational student, prone to engaging in heated disputes with them. Upon his arrest for discharging a firearm on campus, he was compelled to sit for exams while being escorted in handcuffs to the examination venue.

• During his college years, Lawrence Bishnoi encountered legal trouble when he evaded the Punjab police while being transported to court in 2015. Seeking refuge in Nepal, he later returned to Punjab armed with weapons. However, his freedom was short-lived as he was apprehended once again by the police a few months later.

• Every morning, as stated by jail authorities, he frequently recites Sukhmani Sahib. [15] The Indian Express.

• Sunita, his mother, submitted nomination papers for the 2018 sarpanch elections.

• In 2019, Ankit Bhadu, a member of Bishnoi’s group, was confronted by the police in Zirakpur. Bhadu had taken a girl hostage in an attempt to avoid being arrested by the police. [16] Business Standard

• In the year 2020, Gurlal Brar, a trusted associate of Bishnoi and Goldy Brar, met a tragic end at the hands of Gurlal Singh Bhalwan. Seeking retribution for the loss of their cousin, Goldy Brar, Bishnoi, and their accomplices took matters into their own hands and eliminated Gurlal Singh Bhalwan several months later.

• The Indian Express reported that in 2020, he submitted a petition to the Chandigarh district court, requesting to be handcuffed whenever he was taken to court or any other location. This precaution was sought in order to protect himself from potential fake police encounters. [17]

• The New Indian Express reported that in 2021, he was taken to Jaipur for questioning after a threatening phone call was made to a local businessman. According to his accomplice Sampat Nehra, Bishnoi instructed him to make a WhatsApp call demanding a sum of Rs 1 crore as protection money from the businessman. [18]

• Vicky Middukhera, a henchman of Bishnoi, met his demise in a gang conflict that took place in Mohali in 2021. Tragically, he suffered a fatal encounter when he was struck by fifteen bullets.

• In 2021, there were reports suggesting that Bishnoi, who was incarcerated at the time, aimed to establish a presence in Delhi by leveraging his trusted associate Sandeep. Together, they sought to broaden their influence and extend their network.

• Police arrested Manju Arya, also known as Meenu, in 2021. The Bishnoi group’s female aide was placed under custody.

• Goldy Brar and Bishnoi, in a social media post, have claimed responsibility for the death of Sidhu Moosewala a few hours after it occurred. They state that Moosewala’s demise in Punjab was a result of their actions, and they accept full responsibility for it. They mention that Moosewala was known to be involved in the murders of their brother Vikramjit Singh Middukhera and Gurlal Brar, but the Punjab Police failed to take appropriate action against him. Additionally, they discovered that Moosewala had a role in the unfortunate incident involving their associate, Ankit Bhadu. It became clear that Moosewala was working against their interests. Despite being implicated by the Delhi Police, Moosewala cleverly used his political influence to avoid facing consequences each time. Goldy Brar also expressed his thoughts on Facebook following Moosewala’s death.

• Bishnoi, when being investigated by the police in connection to Moosewala’s murder on 30 May 2022, submitted a petition expressing his fear of a potential fake encounter by the authorities and requested protection. Unfortunately, the court rejected his plea. [19] Hindustan Times

• He identifies himself as a follower of Bhagat Singh, expressing his dedication. He asserts that his approach to social service is unique, frequently sporting shirts adorned with a printed image of Bhagat Singh. Lawrence Bishnoi proudly wore a t-shirt showcasing a captivating picture of Bhagat Singh.

• More than 150 Facebook accounts bearing his name were reported, all sharing a common attribute in their bio: ‘Respect Girls’.

• By the time he reached 29, he had already carried out over fifty criminal acts.

• He had been incarcerated in Delhi’s Tihar jail since 2022.

• Many media houses refer to him as the ‘Supari-king’ as well.

• During an interview with a Hindi news channel in March 2023, he disclosed various aspects of his involvement in criminal activities, shedding light on cases such as Salman Khan’s blackbuck incident and Sidhu Moosewala’s murder.

Some Lesser Known Facts About Gangubai Kathiawadi/Kothewali

• During the 1960s, Gangubai Kothewali emerged as a highly feared female figure within Mumbai’s underworld.

• During the 1960s, she was the proprietor of numerous brothels in Mumbai.

• Gangubai earned the nickname ‘Madam of Kamathipura’ due to her immense popularity.

• In Gujarat’s Kathiawad region, she was born into a highly esteemed Gujarati family.

• In her childhood, she had dreams of becoming an actress.

• In her college days, Gaungubai found herself enamored with Ramnik Lal, who happened to be her father’s accountant. Their love led them to elope from her family’s home.

• It appears that they got married and moved to Mumbai, where Ramnik unscrupulously sold Gangubai into prostitution for a mere Rs. 500.

• Gangubai, hailing from the challenging streets of Mumbai’s Kamathipura, transformed into a resilient woman due to the hardships she encountered.

• Karim Lala was the dominant figure ruling over Kamathipura during that period.

• According to reports, Gangubai allegedly experienced sexual assault by one of Karim’s henchmen. Subsequently, she approached Karim seeking justice.

• Gangubai went so far as to tie a Rakhi to Karim during her visit.

• Despite being a victim of the prostitution trade, Gangubai emerged as one of the most feared pimps in Kamathipura during the 60s.

• She catered to a wide range of notorious criminal organizations and gang members.

• Although Gangubai was a brothel owner, she had a deep compassion for women who were forced into prostitution, treating them with the love and care of a mother.

• Gangubai found herself embroiled in a skirmish with a prominent member of a well-known gang in Mumbai due to her unwavering support for a girl who claimed to have been a victim of his alleged rape.

• It appears that she never coerced any young woman into engaging in prostitution.

• Gangubai dedicated her efforts to improving the living conditions of sex workers and homeless children.

• Gangubai maintained a network of connections with numerous gangsters in Mumbai, as they frequented her as regular clients.

• Gangubai became the pioneer in establishing a network of brothels, opening franchises across various cities in the country.

• In the 1960s, she was involved in drug trafficking and allegedly responsible for several murders that occurred in Mumbai and its surrounding areas.

• Gangubai approached the former Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, to address the challenges confronted by sex workers in the nation.

• It appears that Nehru was greatly impressed by her clear thinking and leadership abilities.

• According to reports, it is said that Gangubai had presented a proposition to Jawaharlal Nehru in response to his question about why she chose to enter the brothel trade instead of pursuing a respectable marriage and job.

• Despite residing in the impoverished slums of Kamathipura, Gangubai was far from destitute. In fact, she held the esteemed title of being the sole brothel owner in possession of a sleek Black Bentley during the 1960s.

• Gangubai gained a reputation as the protector of numerous gangsters, ensuring they had safe havens.

• Gangubai firmly held the belief that her choice to offer her body for others’ pleasure did not grant anyone the authority to mistreat or diminish her dignity.

• Although she worked in a brothel, her compassionate nature had garnered numerous admirers. Even to this day, her idols and photo frames adorn the walls of Kamathipura.

• Hussain Zaidi has included her story in one of the chapters of his book, “Mafia Queens Of Mumbai,” which he authored.

• The filmmaker, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, created a film in 2021 that showcased the life of Gangubai Kathiawadi. Titled “Gangubai Kathiawadi,” the Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt took on the lead role in this production. A captivating film poster was also crafted to promote this movie.

• Priyanka Chopra was the first choice for the film but declined due to scheduling conflicts. Rani Mukerji also turned down the offer. Eventually, Alia Bhatt was chosen for the role.

• Actress Alia Bhatt, director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and writer Hussain Zaidi were summoned by the Mumbai High Court in April 2021 based on a complaint filed by Gangubai’s adopted son, Babuji Rawji Shah. The family lawyer, Narendra Dubey, expressed his concerns about the film’s portrayal of Gangubai, stating that it was completely inaccurate and baseless. He found it offensive and vulgar to depict a social activist as a prostitute, and no family would approve of such a representation. According to Dubey, Gangubai had been unjustly depicted as a villainous character. He also mentioned that the court was still reviewing the case and had asked Shah to provide credible evidence supporting his claim of being Gangubai’s son. Despite submitting evidence, there is currently no scheduled hearing for the matter. Dubey further highlighted the toll the continuous questioning about Gangubai’s profession had taken on the family’s mental well-being, preventing them from finding peace in their lives.

• Bharti, the daughter of Gangubai’s adopted son Babuji Rawji Shah, was Gangubai’s beloved granddaughter.

• In an interview, Babuji Rawji Shah discussed the film and expressed his deep sadness over the disturbing remarks made about his mother, who unfortunately works as a prostitute.

• Check out this fascinating video detailing the biography of Gangubai Kathiawadi.