Assassination of Baba Siddique reflects on how dilapidating, unprecedented life is, even when you are as prominent as “Baba.” Videos of his son Zeeshan breaking down almost feels personal. And we see Bollywood’s “mourn” taking a very different turn. “Shot dead” violences aren’t new to India, if we look at history; but “Baba” definitely leaves a poignant legacy to unfold, that if you read about, will only look “cheery” “glamourous” and filled with “grace.”
Rising from Bandra, Mumbai, where he started his political career with a sincere commitment to his community. Elected as a corporator in the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) in the late 1980s, he quickly made a name for himself as a dedicated leader who truly understood the concerns of his constituents.
His rise to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, representing Bandra West for multiple terms, felt like a natural evolution.
Siddique became a beloved figure, known for his persistent work on local issues—from slum redevelopment to crucial infrastructure projects. His constituents admired him not just for his achievements but for his genuine care and accessibility.
Beyond the political map, Siddique’s charisma and ability to build relationships opened doors to the worlds of Bollywood and real estate.
He became a vital connector, navigating the complexities of politics and business. His influence and reputation as a powerbroker were built on the trust he cultivated across diverse circles, making him an invincible portrait of Mumbai’s social and political whereabouts.
Playing the biggest “instrumental” in ending Bollywood’s most thumping rivalry, that of Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, back in 2013, during an iftar party, Baba Siddiqui has always been someone who tried to keep the “strings” attached. Not just with bigger celebrities but with celebs of smaller scales too. Baba’s iftar parties played as the biggest lures for B-town celebs. Starting from the Khans to fashion designers, to television stars.
Not just the two pioneering Khans, his strong “affectionate” ties with Sunil Dutt also reflected, when he shared a note on his social media, “Remembering my Mentor Shri. Sunil Dutt ji on his Death Anniversary. Your guidance has left an everlasting imprint on our lives!” For the unversed, it was Sunil Dutt who got Baba an MLA ticket back in 1999 from Bandra West and later introducing him to Bollywood.
His strong strings with the B-town have always been on the public radar. Predominantly his ties with Salman Khan came out to be one of the major nuclei. Ironically his ‘murder’ too. Mumbai Police has confirmed they are investigating the murder angle involving gangster ‘Lawrence Bishnoi.’ In a post by a gang member, stated that they targeted Baba because of his close ties with Salman Khan. The post mentioned, “We have no personal enmity with anyone. However, anyone who helps Salman Khan or the Dawood gang should be prepared. If anyone gets any of our brothers killed, we will respond. We never strike first. Jai Shri Ram, Jai Bharat, salute to the martyrs.”
Baba Siddique was attacked by three men who emerged from a vehicle and, amidst the noise of bursting firecrackers, opened fire on the NCP leader. He was immediately taken to Lilavati Hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Like moth to fire, glamour and Bollywood connections have its flipside. While, the real reason behind the murder is yet to unravel, there is no denying that the plot is straight out of a Ram Gopal Varma movie. Of Guns & Glamour, indeed!
