Whenever the history of Mumbai’s underworld is told, the very first name that comes to mind is Haji Mastan Mirza. He was the man who rose from the streets of poverty and built such a vast smuggling network that he became famous as a “Don.” But unlike ordinary gangsters, his personality was very different. He believed more in building connections and using intelligence rather than noise, violence, or bloodshed.
Early Life
Haji Mastan’s real name was Mastan Mirza. He was born on 1 March 1926 in Madras (today’s Chennai) in a poor but respectable Muslim family. His father, Abdul Aziz Mirza, was a craftsman and laborer, while his mother was a housewife who wished her son would live a simple life. Mastan had two brothers and three sisters, making it a large but modest household. Poverty and hardship eventually pushed the family to Mumbai, in search of better work opportunities.
In Mumbai, Mastan started working at a very young age. He worked in a slipper factory and did several other small jobs. But his dreams were bigger. Poverty taught him that respect and luxury cannot be achieved only through hard work, but also through smartness and seizing opportunities. This mindset gradually led him into the world of the underworld.
The White Don
Haji Mastan’s personality was unique. He always dressed in white clothes and shoes, which is why people also called him the “White Don.” Unlike other gangsters, he didn’t raise his voice or show muscle power—his silent and dignified presence was enough to create fear.
His main business was smuggling. From Dubai and the Middle East, he brought in gold, electronics, and expensive goods, which he sold in Mumbai’s black market. His network was so wide that even port and airport employees worked for him. Containers opened easily, and goods spread throughout the city without resistance. His greatest strength was that he used brains more than weapons. Even police and politicians hesitated to go against him.
Although he didn’t directly engage in violence, his name alone carried so much weight that no one could do business in his territory without his permission. Traders knew that big deals were only possible with his approval. Ordinary people also saw him not as a street thug but as a true Don. His influence reached the police, politicians, and even Bollywood, which made opposing him almost impossible.
Bollywood and Lifestyle
Haji Mastan carefully built a network of trusted men—airport and port workers, local agents, and loyal aides. At the same time, he also entered the world of Bollywood. Many big actors and producers stayed close to him. It is said that he invested money in several films and even handled distribution for some projects.
He had a deep love for the film industry. Big movie stars often attended his gatherings. He enjoyed luxury cars, bungalows, and lavish parties. His all-white appearance became his trademark. At the same time, he occasionally helped the poor, which is why some people saw him as a Robin Hood-like figure who not only worked for himself but also for others.
Family Life
Despite his underworld empire, Haji Mastan maintained ties with his parents and siblings. His parents were simple and religious and did not approve of his illegal activities, but they could not stop him either. Mastan continued to support them financially so they could live comfortably. His brothers and sisters lived ordinary lives and were not directly part of his “business world.”
Haji Mastan married Sophia, a Bollywood actress who resembled the famous actress Madhubala. Sophia worked in a few films but didn’t find much success and later settled into family life. Mastan gave her a comfortable and luxurious lifestyle.
They had children too. According to some sources, their son was named Shoaib Mirza and their daughter Shaheen Mirza. However, the children chose to live normal lives, away from their father’s illegal trade.
Death and Legacy
Haji Mastan’s life ended on 9 June 1994, when he died of a heart attack in Mumbai. His death created a mixed reaction across the city. Some people said a major smuggler had died, while others said a man who sometimes helped the poor was gone. To his admirers, he was the “Smart Don,” while to critics, he was the founder of Mumbai’s organized crime world.
He was buried in Mumbai, where his grave still exists, and people sometimes visit to offer prayers.