Baba Siddique’s iftar and SRK-Salman patch-up: It was Allah, I had no role
Baba Siddique was known for his close ties with Bollywood’s biggest stars, including Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. He played a pivotal role in ending the Khans’ five-year-long feud.
Baba Siddique, a veteran politician and former Maharashtra minister, was shot and killed by armed assailants in Mumbai on Saturday evening, sending shockwaves through both the political and film industries. Siddique, known for his extensive political connections and his ability to bring people together, was also famous for hosting lavish iftar parties that attracted the crème de la crème of Bollywood. One such gathering in 2013 played a pivotal role in ending the most infamous celebrity feud in the entertainment world – Shah Rukh Khan vs Salman Khan.
The rift between Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan began in 2008 after a heated argument at Katrina Kaif’s birthday bash, which led to the two actors avoiding each other for nearly five years.
This cold war came to an end at Siddique’s annual iftar party on April 17, 2013. At the event, Siddique strategically seated Shah Rukh Khan next to Salman’s father, Salim Khan, ensuring the two stars came face-to-face. The moment when Shah Rukh and Salman greeted and hugged each other was captured in a photo that quickly went viral, marking the beginning of the end of their long-standing beef.
Throughout his political career, Siddique’s iftar parties became a hallmark of his influence, bringing together political leaders from various parties, Bollywood celebrities, and prominent business figures.
NCP leader Baba Siddique was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Mumbai on October 12 night. Mumbai Police has apprehended two individuals in connection with the incident. Siddique, 66, a former Maharashtra minister, had quit the Congress in February this year to join the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Siddique, a key political figure in Maharashtra, previously served as the Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies, Labour, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, he was perhaps best known for his socialite persona, particularly for hosting grand iftar parties that became an annual political and social event.
The three-time MLA from Bandra West is the second senior member of the Mumbai Congress to switch political allegiance this year. Former Union minister Milind Deora had earlier joined the Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in January. After ending my 48 year long journey with the Congress Party. I officially joined the NCP in the presence of Hon’ble Deputy CM of Maharashtra President NCP Shri @AjitPawarSpeaks ji (Dada), Shri @Praful_patel ji, @Sunilatatkare ji, @mrhasanmushrif ji, @dhananjay_munde ji, pic.twitter.com/2UXz9bRlDB Baba Siddique (@BabaSiddique) February 12, 2024 Born to Abdul Rahim and Razia Siddique, Baba Siddique was married to Shehzeen Siddique and had two children, Dr. Arshia Siddique and Zeeshan Siddique. His son, Zeeshan, is also a politician and was elected as a Congress MLA from Bandra East in Mumbai.
