Haji Mastan

Who was Haji Mastan?

Mastan Haider Mirza, popularly known as Haji Mastan or Bawa, was an Indian mobster and smuggler based in Bombay in the 1970s and 1980s. Mastan became the first celebrity gangster of the city, expanding his clout in the film industry by giving money to directors and studios for film production. As Mastan's influence in Bollywood grew, he began to produce films himself. He was also well known for his links with the actor Dilip Kumar. During the Indian Emergency he was imprisoned. In prison, he learned Hindi. Haji Mastan became a Muslim leader in 1984. He formed Dalit Muslim Surakhsha Maha Sangh in 1985, which had Doulatram Kawle as a co-operator. Aslam Kiratpuri, a well known journalist, gave him ideas on how to speak in public meetings after which he became a good speaker.