Haji Mastan, a key figure in Mumbai's underworld, gained prominence through smuggling and various business ventures. He controlled smuggling alongside Sukkur Narayan Bakhia, delving into real estate, film financing, electronics, and hotels. Maintaining alliances with gang leaders like Karim Lala and Varadarajan Mudaliar, he played roles in peace mediation and territorial division. Despite his arrest during the Indian Emergency, he ventured into politics advocating for minority rights. His passing in 1994 left a strong legacy influencing Indian culture and politics, with his party Bharatiya Minorities Suraksha Mahasangh continuing his ideologies.
Early Life and Beginnings
Born in Panaikulam, Tamil Nadu in 1926, Haji Mastan migrated to Bombay at the age of 8, where he began his journey into a life marked by a mix of legitimate work and illicit activities. Mastan faced childhood struggles, working at Crawford Market and later at the docks to sustain himself.
His involvement in smuggling activities, particularly gold due to high import duties, provided a gateway to the underworld. Despite engaging in illegal ventures, Mastan also participated in the Hajj pilgrimage at an early age, showcasing a blend of contrasting influences in his upbringing.
These early experiences laid the foundation for his future endeavors in both legitimate businesses and criminal operations.
Criminal Empire and Business Ventures
Haji Mastan's criminal empire and business ventures expanded rapidly, encompassing a wide range of illicit activities and legitimate investments in Bombay. He controlled smuggling operations of illegal items in collaboration with Sukkur Narayan Bakhia, establishing a significant presence in this underworld trade.
Simultaneously, Mastan ventured into real estate investments, particularly focusing on properties in South Bombay. His business portfolio diversified into film financing, production, electronic goods, and hotels. Alongside these illegal enterprises, Mastan also owned electronic shops near Crawford Market, adding to his legitimate business interests.
This dual approach enabled Mastan to amass considerable wealth and power, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in Bombay's criminal and business landscape.
Relations With Gang Leaders
Known for his strategic alliances within the criminal underworld, Haji Mastan maintained strong relationships with various prominent gang leaders in Mumbai. His collaborations with Karim Lala and Varadarajan Mudaliar were essential in establishing his influence in the city's underworld.
Mastan's ability to mediate peace between rival gangs showcased his diplomatic skills and solidified his position as a respected figure in the criminal hierarchy. Organizing meetings to divide Mumbai's territories among gangs demonstrated his knack for maintaining order and balance within the underworld.
Dependence on key figures like Lala and Mudaliar for operational support highlighted the importance of these alliances in executing his criminal activities. Even after Varadarajan Mudaliar's passing, Mastan arranged for his body to be flown to Mumbai, underscoring the depth of their underworld alliances.
Political Involvement and Influence
Haji Mastan's active involvement in politics and expanding influence in the domain of Indian governance marked a significant shift in his endeavors apart from his criminal activities.
During the Indian Emergency, Mastan was imprisoned where he encountered the political ideals of Jaiprakash Narayan, which left a lasting impact on him. It was during his time in prison that he learned Hindi and developed a deeper understanding of political dynamics.
Subsequently, upon his release, Mastan formed a political party in 1980-81, later renamed as Bharatiya Minorities Suraksha Mahasangh. His prison influence and newfound political ideals set him on a path of political engagement, showcasing a different facet of his persona beyond his criminal past.
Death, Legacy, and Influence
Following his passing from a cardiac arrest on 25 June 1994, Haji Mastan's enduring legacy continues to resonate through various mediums and political avenues. His impact on Indian culture and politics remains significant, with cultural references to his life frequently appearing in movies, television shows, and literature. The political party formed in his name, Bharatiya Minorities Suraksha Mahasangh, carries forward his ideologies and principles, striving to advocate for minority rights and social justice. Mastan's larger-than-life persona and Robin Hood-esque image have left a lasting impression on society, portraying him as a complex figure who blurred the lines between crime and benevolence. His legacy serves as a reminder of the intricate intertwining of power, influence, and cultural heritage in shaping modern India.
| Legacy Impact | Cultural Influence |
|---|---|
| Continues through political party | Portrayed in media |
| Advocates for minority rights | Inspires characters and stories |
| Shapes societal perceptions | Reflects societal complexities |
| Carries forward ideologies | Highlights moral ambiguity |
| Blurs lines between crime & good | Represents a symbol of defiance |
