R reimburse Does the Movie Raees Draw Upon the Life of Abdul Latif?

The 2017 Bollywood film Raees, starring Shah Rukh Khan, is often discussed in relation to the true-life saga of Abdul Latif. However, the film takes many liberties with the actual events of Latif's life. In this article, we explore the parallels and differences between the film and the life of this infamous gangster from Gujarat, India.

About Abdul Latif: A Dreaded Gangster from Gujarat

Abdul Latif, a Gujarati Muslim Bohra, was one of the most notorious gangsters in Ahmedabad during the 1980s and 1990s. He was a powerful figure in the criminal underworld, notorious for his involvement in bootlegging and other illegal activities. His rise to notoriety was closely linked to the socio-political landscape of Gujarat during this period.

Latif's Background and Early Criminal Career

Family Background: Abdul Latif was born in the Kalupur area of Ahmedabad in 1951. Coming from a poor Muslim family, he began his illegal activities at a young age. According to reports, he sold liquor, a practice seen as un-Islamic by his community, to clear his way into the criminal underworld. His father took him in after he started dealing in liquor. Latif became part of a gang of all-Muslim individuals, a distinct feature of his criminal group.

Impact on the City of Ahmedabad and Connections with Authorities

Political Alliances: Latif had close ties with the former Chief Minister of Gujarat, Chimanbhai Patel. This connection allowed him significant immunity from law enforcement. Additionally, Latif was involved in political rivalries, using violence and threats to eliminate his opponents and maintain his influence.

The Downfall of Abdul Latif

Criminal Activities and Accusations: Latif's criminal activities included bootlegging, hawala (trading in unregulated currencies), and contract killings. He was also accused of providing RDX to terrorists and participating in the 1993 Mumbai blasts. His gang was also responsible for the shooting of many individuals at a gym in Ahmedabad, leading to his arrest in New Delhi.

Charitable Deeds and Public Perception

Despite his criminal status, several accounts suggest that Latif was also involved in charitable activities. He reportedly helped underprivileged Muslim youth find jobs and provided financial assistance to the less fortunate. Such stories have added a complex layer to his public image, making him a figure of both fear and respect within the community.

The Film Raees: Creative Liberties and Inspiration

The movie Raees dramatizes the life of a bootlegger in the 1980s and 1990s. While it is inspired by the life of Abdul Latif, the movie takes significant creative liberties. The film portrays a story of bootlegging in the context of Gujarat's socio-political landscape, reflecting the real-life struggle of the time.

Conclusion

While Raees is loosely based on the life of Abdul Latif, it is a dramatized version of his story. For a more accurate portrayal of his life, one must delve into the historical and journalistic accounts. The life of Abdul Latif stands as a dark chapter in the history of Gujarat, illustrating the complexities of power, crime, and tradition in the region.

Additional Resources

For more detailed information, you can refer to:

Biography of Abdul Latif History of Bootlegging in India History of the Criminal Underworld in Gujarat