Haji Mastan
- Born:
- Haji Mastan Mirza, March 1, 1926, Pannaikulam, Madras Presidency, British India (now Tamil Nadu, India)
- Died:
- April 19, 1994, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Nationality:
- Indian
- Profession(s):
- Smuggler, Film Financier, Real Estate Investor, Political Activist
Early Life and Education
- Born into a poor family in Pannaikulam.
- Migrated to Bombay (now Mumbai) at a young age.
- Started working as a coolie at Bombay docks.
- Received limited formal education.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his career in petty smuggling, primarily of electronic goods.
- Gradually rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s as a major figure in the smuggling of gold, silver, and other contraband.
- Developed close relationships with other influential figures in the underworld, including Varadarajan Mudaliar and Karim Lala.
- Invested heavily in real estate and the film industry, becoming a significant film financier.
- Founded the Dalit Muslim Suraksha Mahasangh, a political organization representing the interests of Dalit Muslims.
- Surrendered to police during the Emergency in 1975.
Notable Works
While Haji Mastan didn't directly produce creative works, his life and activities have been the subject of numerous articles and at least one instance documented in works resembling 'haji mastan biography books', and inspired fictionalized portrayals in Bollywood films. His financial backing of films is a significant contribution to the film industry.
Legacy and Impact
Haji Mastan remains a controversial figure in Indian history. He is remembered as a powerful and influential figure in the Mumbai underworld, but also as a philanthropist and political activist who sought to improve the lives of marginalized communities. His story is a complex one, reflecting the social and economic inequalities of post-independence India.