Haji Mastan

Haji Mastan Mirza(Tamil: ஹாஜி மஸ்தான் மிர்சா), popularly known as Haji Mastan or Baw (March 1, 1926 - 1994), was a Bombay (Mumbai) gangster and smuggler in the 1970s and 1980s. Mastan became the first celebrity gangster of the city, expanding his clout in the film industry. As Mastan's influence in Bollywood grew, he began to produce films. He was also well-known for his links with the legendary actor Dilip Kumar. During the Indian Emergency (1975 - 77) 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 corporator. Aslam Kiratpuri, a well known journalist, gave him ideas on how to speak in public meetings after which he became a good speaker.