Bollywood's quiet powerbroker, cinematic bridge
The Free Press Journal|October 14, 2024
His passing ends a unique era of behind-the-scenes diplomacy in Mumbai's star-studded circles.
S Ramachandran
Bollywood's quiet powerbroker, cinematic bridge

Salman Khan abruptly cancelled the Bigg Boss 18 shoot and rushed to Lilavati Hospital on Saturday night upon hearing of NCP leader Baba Siddique's death. In the tangled world of Bollywood, where glamour meets politics, few were as influential as Ziauddin Siddique—better known as Baba Siddique. A seasoned Congress leader who went on to join the NCP, Baba was a crucial link between cinema and politics, connecting stars with the corridors of power.

When he succumbed to his injuries at Lilavati, political leaders and Bollywood's biggest names, including Sanjay Dutt, Shilpa Shetty, and Salman Khan, gathered to pay their respects.

This story is from the October 14, 2024 edition of The Free Press Journal.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the October 14, 2024 edition of The Free Press Journal.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE FREE PRESS JOURNALView All
The Free Press Journal

MESSI NETS STARS IN ARGENTINA WIN

Scores hat-trick in South American World Cup qualifier

time-read
2 mins  |
October 17, 2024
Vikramaditya and Arnav in joint lead
The Free Press Journal

Vikramaditya and Arnav in joint lead

Kulkarni beat Saikat, Kherdekar outplayed Yash in seventh round

time-read
1 min  |
October 17, 2024
Australia start overwhelming favourites against SA in semis
The Free Press Journal

Australia start overwhelming favourites against SA in semis

Depth in batting has been Australia's biggest strength

time-read
1 min  |
October 17, 2024
Kohli calls AB a freak
The Free Press Journal

Kohli calls AB a freak

Most talented cricketer I've played with: Virat

time-read
2 mins  |
October 17, 2024
Mbappé's aides dismiss Swedish reports of a rape claim
The Free Press Journal

Mbappé's aides dismiss Swedish reports of a rape claim

These accusations are totally false and irresponsible, and their propagation is unacceptable, according to Kylian Mbappé’s representatives

time-read
1 min  |
October 17, 2024
Former spinner Neetu inducted into ICC Hall of Fame
The Free Press Journal

Former spinner Neetu inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

Former India spinner Neetu David, who still holds the record for the best figures (8/53) by a woman in an individual Test innings, on Wednesday became only the second female cricketer from the country to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame.

time-read
1 min  |
October 17, 2024
The Free Press Journal

Tendulkar makes NCL evening memorable

Legendary Sachin Tendulkar, presented the Championship trophy to the victorious Chicago Cricket Club as the National Cricket Championship ended on a memorable note.

time-read
1 min  |
October 17, 2024
When skipper Rohit explained Gabba to Pant
The Free Press Journal

When skipper Rohit explained Gabba to Pant

A second string India had beaten Australia by three wickets at a venue which was considered a fortress

time-read
2 mins  |
October 17, 2024
Champions Trophy without India not an option: ECB
The Free Press Journal

Champions Trophy without India not an option: ECB

Contingencies available if India don't travel to Pakistan for the major event, say top ECB officials

time-read
1 min  |
October 17, 2024
The Free Press Journal

ATTACK ON N-SITES UNLIKELY, SAYS IRAN

The probability of an attack on Iran's nuclear sites remains low but any potential damage would be \"quickly compensated\", state atomic energy agency spokesperson Behrouz Kamalvandi said on Wednesday, according to semi-official Nournews.

time-read
1 min  |
October 17, 2024