The Forgotten Don: Unpacking the Old Guard of Mumbai’s Underworld

The recent spotlight on Dawood Ibrahim’s reign in Mumbai’s underworld has sparked renewed interest in the city’s crime history. However, this narrative often overlooks the preceding era, where three dons – Karim Lala, Haji Mastan, and Varadarajan Mudaliar – ruled over the city with a complex blend of power, influence, and community ties.

Their stories offer a nuanced understanding of how organized crime evolved in Mumbai. Unlike Dawood Ibrahim’s violent rise to fame, these dons built their empires through strategic partnerships, charitable endeavors, and cultural connections that blurred the lines between legitimate business and illicit activities.

Karim Lala was often regarded as the first don of his kind. He cultivated a reputation for resolving disputes among fellow Pathans before expanding into more lucrative ventures like smuggling and gambling. His influence extended beyond crime to community affairs, where he became an important figure within Mumbai’s Pathan community. Lala’s image even inspired Pran’s character in the 1973 film Zanjeer.

Haji Mastan emerged from a similar world of dockworkers and porters. He developed close links with Bollywood, financing film directors and studios while maintaining his illicit activities. Unlike Dawood Ibrahim, who would later dominate headlines for his violent tactics, Mastan cultivated a polished public persona that hid the darkness beneath.

Varadarajan Mudaliar represented another strand of Mumbai’s underworld, coming from Tamil Nadu and initially working as a porter. He built an influence among Tamil migrants in central Mumbai by helping settle them in slums like Antop Hill. His life later became the inspiration for Mani Ratnam’s acclaimed film Nayakan.

These dons were connected to their communities in ways that set them apart from Dawood Ibrahim’s violent regime. They didn’t rely solely on fear; instead, they wove a complex web of power that involved charitable endeavors and strategic partnerships. Their legacy highlights the intricate social fabric of Mumbai during this period.

Their era eventually gave way to a more violent phase, marked by Dawood Ibrahim’s rise and the decline of the old underworld. This transformation represented a fundamental change in how crime was practiced in Mumbai – one characterized by the use of firearms and organized hit squads.

The intersection of crime and culture during this period is particularly noteworthy. The dons’ connections to Bollywood and their philanthropic efforts reveal a society where boundaries were blurred between legitimate business, community service, and illicit activities. This complex dynamic has its roots in the early days of Mumbai’s growth as a cosmopolitan city, where different communities and social classes intertwined.

As we continue to explore the evolution of Mumbai’s underworld, it’s essential to remember that Dawood Ibrahim’s rise was not an isolated event but part of a broader narrative that began with the old guard. The stories of Karim Lala, Haji Mastan, and Varadarajan Mudaliar remind us of the intricate web of power, influence, and community ties that once defined Mumbai’s underworld.

Their legacy serves as a warning: that the same complex social dynamics that allowed these dons to thrive can also create an environment conducive to organized crime.