October 13, 2024: Baba Siddique, a prominent political figure and former MLA, passed away tragically on Saturday night after being shot by three assailants at his son Zeeshan’s office in Bandra. He was rushed to Lilavati Hospital with two bullet wounds, but despite doctors’ efforts, he succumbed to his injuries at the age of 66.
While Baba Siddique was known as a leader and a messiah to many in the political world, he held a special place in the hearts of Bollywood celebrities. His name became synonymous with peace-making in the film industry, and he was particularly famous for resolving one of Bollywood’s biggest feuds—a publicised cold war between Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan.
How Baba Siddique Ended the Feud Between SRK and Salman: In 2013, the two biggest stars of Bollywood—Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan—were not on talking terms after a fallout at Katrina Kaif’s birthday party years prior. The division between these superstars created rifts within the industry, with producers caught in the crossfire. That’s when Baba Siddique stepped in, leveraging his influence and social standing to mend their fractured relationship.
Baba Siddique, a seasoned politician from Mumbai, was famous for his annual iftar parties, where the who’s who of Bollywood and the political world came together to celebrate Eid. Sensing an opportunity to bring the two actors together, Siddique seated Shah Rukh Khan next to Salman’s father, legendary screenwriter Salim Khan, at one of these parties.
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In a now-viral video, Shah Rukh Khan is seen talking to Salim Khan before Salman joins them. In a powerful moment that sent waves across the film industry, the two superstars hugged and ended their cold war, thanks to Siddique’s timely intervention. It wasn’t just about the gesture; it was about Baba Siddique’s ability to blend goodwill and diplomacy, using family bonds and the spirit of Eid to bring peace.
Who Was Baba Siddique? Baba Siddique was a career politician affiliated with the Congress Party for nearly five decades before moving to the Nationalist Congress Party earlier this year. He served as an MLA for three terms and was even a minister in the Maharashtra government. Beyond his political legacy, Siddique will be remembered for his pivotal role in uniting two of Bollywood’s biggest stars, an act that defined his charm and influence over both the political and entertainment industries.
