Are underworld dons Dawood Ibrahim, Chhota Shakeel still funding Bollywood?

Despite several tough measures taken by the Indian agencies to break the deadly nexus, the underworld's connection to the Mumbai film industry still remains the same.

Pic courtesy: Thinkstock image for representation purpose only.

Mumbai: Dreaded mafia dons' fascination for Bollywood and the underworld's connection to the Mumbai film industry still remains the same, despite several tough measures taken by the Indian agencies to break the deadly nexus, suggests an investigative report by 'The Hindu'.

According to the report, published on Thursday, the underworld, even today, has a considerable say in the Mumbai film industry. A number of producers and distributors have close connections with the underworld and, in a way, they continue to strengthen the mafia’s grip on film business.

“Indian agencies listened in on several conversations between Chhota Shakeel, a leading organiser of Bollywood events in the UAE, and other underworld operatives that showed that arrangements were underway in full swing to welcome a Bollywood superstar at the popular Meydan Hotel in Nad Al Sheba in Dubai from May 27 to 30. The fugitive don booked a double-room in the hotel for Dawood Ibrahim’s son Moin and daughter-in-law who were keen on a photo-op with the star,” the report said.

The report also claimed that a Pakistani actor even tried to seek help from Chhota Shakeel to find work in the Indian showbiz industry.

The underworld has in the past made extortion calls to top film producers and other influential personalities either seeking ransom or threatening them for life.