Bollywood-Mafia Connection: Indian Celebrities Who Were Once Linked to Underworld Gangsters

Bollywood Celebs With Mafia: Bollywood has a long and complex relationship with the underworld. In the past, some mobsters invested in movies to launder money or gain power. This resulted in connections between actors and gangsters. Some actors were extorted, while others interacted with them more willingly. Back when Bollywood was all about flashy action movies and big stars, the underworld saw an opportunity to get involved. Gangsters with a lot of illegal money began investing in films to make their money appear legitimate. Some filmmakers accepted their money, but it often came with conditions, such as paying off the mob for protection. 

There are many celebs that have been linked with gangsters like Dawood Ibrahim and others. Here’s a list.

Sanjay Dutt

After earning good recognition for his versatile performances in movies like ‘Khalnayak’ ‘Munna Bhai MBBS’, and ‘Vaastav’, Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt has always been open about his drug and alcohol addiction before being arrested in connection with the 1993 blasts. In the 1990s, he became acquainted with Abu Saleem, who had come to Dutt's house to store his guns. Sanjay was arrested under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Act (TADA) on April 19, 1993, as a result of terrorist interactions and illegal possession of a 9mm pistol and an AK-56 assault rifle. He was jailed for 18 months before being granted bail by the Supreme Court of India in October 1995. He was arrested again in December 1995 and released on police bail in April 1997.

Mamta Kulkarni

Known for her roles in films such as ‘Karan Arjun’, ‘China Gate’, and others, Mamta Kulkarni was reportedly in a relationship with Vicky Goswami. While there was never any proof to back up the speculations, it was also rumored that they had married. She was identified by the police a few years ago as one of the actresses involved in a drug ring. 

Anil Kapoor

The Mr. India actor was considered one of the most non-controversial actors in Indian cinema, however, Anil Kapoor’s pictures with Dawood Ibrahim were quickly circulated across social media when both of them were seen during a cricket match. 

Shah Rukh Khan

Shah Rukh allegedly faced threats from underworld dons such as Abu Salem and received death threats following the release of the film Happy New Year. While SRK has denied any direct involvement or connections, the 'Pathaan' actor has openly admitted to speaking with feared gangster Chhota Shakeel under duress, claiming he had to listen to a story before deciding whether to make a film about it. Apart from that, he has received threat calls from Abu Salem. 

Mandakini

Popularly known for her role in the 1985 romantic-musical “Ram Teri Ganga Maili,” Mandakini made headlines for her alleged relationship with Dawood Ibrahim. It was reported that he used to fund her Hindi films. The dating rumour started after Mandakini’s photos with Dawood from 1994 went viral, showing the two of them watching a cricket match together. 

Monica Bedi

Monica was reported to be in a relationship with Abu Saleem. Not only was she allegedly getting movies because of his influence, but they were also arrested together in Portugal for entering the country using forged documents.