Baba Siddiqui: The man who brokered a pact between Salman Khan and Shahrukh Khan, an insider
National Congress Party (NCP) leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddiqui was shot dead on October 12. The 66-year-old leader was known to be instrumental in resolving differences and improving relations between superstars Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan. ,
Indians, known as film devotees, got a moment to rejoice in the autumn of 2013 when Bollywood’s biggest stars, Salman Khan and Shahrukh Khan, called it a truce. There was a heated argument between the two at Katrina Kaif’s birthday celebration in 2008, due to which they avoided each other for almost five years. The name of the person who brought the two together was Baba Siddiqui, who was gunned down by three attackers on Saturday (12 October) night.
An experienced leader, Siddiqui served as MLA from Bandra West constituency for three consecutive terms and held the position of Minister of State for Food & Civil Supplies, Labor and FDA. He was a close associate of actor-turned-politician Sunil Dutt, who helped him secure his first Congress ticket in 1999. However, this story is not about the politician but how he became a superhero for film lovers and how his popularity grew. Borders, thanks to their star-studded annual Iftar parties.
At the ill-fated Iftar event in 2013, Siddiqui strategically made Shah Rukh Khan sit next to Salman’s father Salim Khan, ensuring that the two stars came face to face. The moment when Shahrukh and Salman greeted and hugged each other was captured in a picture that quickly went viral, marking the beginning of the end of their long-standing relationship.
After their reconciliation, Siddiqui downplayed his role as peacemaker, saying, “That’s what they both wanted. Allah shows the way. I had no role.”
However, it was his humility that made him not want credit for it. Industry sources shared that it was Baba Siddiqui’s persistence and love for Salman-SRK that prompted him to get them back together. Many people also feel that only Baba could have done this, because he had no ulterior or commercial intentions with the stars.
“Before Iftar, he went to both their houses and talked to them about the ceasefire. He told them that Eid is an occasion where one needs to put aside any grudges and forgive each other “He has been close to Shahrukh and Salman, and they both have a lot of respect and love for him, it was bound to happen through Baba, probably only because of the strong bond between them,” a source told India Today.
Producer and film business analyst, Girish Johar also spoke exclusively to India Today and recalled the viral moment of the big reunion. He shared how the industry was most excited to see the most popular stars coming back together. He said that this strengthened the relationship between Salman and Shahrukh and since then the chemistry is visible in all their roles.
“They also came together to work in each other’s films, which further strengthened their friendship. After all, it is a fraternity and when two stars are not on talking terms, it is a matter of concern for everyone. The top talents whether it is filmmakers, writers, or technicians, they are working with both and thus, are connected directly or indirectly, during the tough times it was tough for everyone, and when they It was a sigh of relief when they finally came together. It was definitely one of the most talked about and celebrated moments in the industry, and otherwise too,” Johar said.
The author, who hails from Kolkata, also remembers how that moment became front-page news the next day. While the talk of Khan reunion was going on, Baba Siddiqui also started being mentioned during the conversation. From a household leader in Mumbai, he suddenly became a superhero and brought joy to the industry and film lovers.
Gradually people started waiting for his Iftar party in the eastern part of the country also. It became an annual ritual for people on social media to see the legends of the entertainment industry come together to celebrate so lovingly. Baba Siddiqui and his son Zeeshan Siddiqui were also seen playing perfect hosts to their guests, feeding them and posing for pictures together. It was a place where not only the stars but also small actors and social media influencers were welcomed with equal love and respect.
In 2022, I got a chance to attend the much talked about Iftar party and it gave my friends and family a topic to talk about for days. While otherwise they consider my work routine, this was the first time that they were treated to food, celebrities and even Baba Siddiqui (the former leader, I remember, would politely meet every media person, inquire about their well-being) Were excited to learn about. Arrangements) It was then that it was understood that ‘Baba Siddiqui Iftar Party’ is no longer just a celebratory evening, but has become a matter of national relevance.
Girish Johar said that it showed the strength of unity and warmth within the industry. It brought everyone closer irrespective of religion and political status. “It was beyond everything, it was about inclusivity. It was probably about love,” he said.
It may seem superficial, but after his departure, there are already murmurs about the future of his Iftar party. Even with his son Zeeshan and family taking over, it will never be the same again without Baba Siddiqui.