The tragic news of Baba Siddique’s death on Saturday sent shockwaves through Mumbai’s political and entertainment circles. More than just a politician, Siddique was a prominent figure in Bollywood, known for his close relationships with some of the industry’s biggest stars. He was a frequent presence at Bollywood gatherings, particularly iftar parties, where he often played the role of a peacemaker and mediator.
Perhaps Siddique’s most notable achievement in this regard was his role in ending the infamous feud between Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. The two superstars had been estranged for nearly five years following a disagreement at Katrina Kaif’s birthday party in 2008. It was at one of Siddique’s iftar parties in 2013 that the two Khans finally reconciled. Siddique strategically seated Shah Rukh Khan next to Salman Khan’s father, Salim Khan, ensuring a face-to-face encounter. The moment was captured by cameras, marking the beginning of the end of their long-standing feud.
Beyond his Bollywood connections, Siddique was a well-respected politician in Mumbai. He represented the Bandra (West) constituency in the Maharashtra assembly for three terms, from 1999 to 2009, as a Congress MLA. He held various ministerial positions in the state government, including Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies, Labour, and FDA. Siddique’s son, Zeeshan Siddique, currently serves as the Congress MLA from Mumbai.
Siddique’s political career wasn’t without its twists and turns. In February of this year, he left the Congress party to join the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), but he did not disclose the reasons for his decision. Regardless of the reasons behind his political choices, Baba Siddique’s legacy is one of both political service and a unique ability to bridge divides, particularly within the vibrant Bollywood community. His passing is a loss not only to his family and friends but to the people of Mumbai who knew him as a dedicated public servant and a man of peace.
