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Mafia Queens of Mumbai: Women Who Ruled the Ganglands
Smuggling, gun-running, drugs, terrorism for many decades, Mumbai has lived under the shadow of the Underworld. Dawood Ibrahim, Karim Lala, Varadara- jan Mudaliar: these are names that any Indian would recognise. Analysed in print, immortalised on film, their lives, their gangs, their 'businesses' are out there for anyone who wants the information. But there have been women, too, who have been part of this murky side of the city, walking along side, sometimes leading and manipulating men in the Underworld to run their own illegal businesses. Here, for the first time, crime journal- ists S. Hussain Zaidi and Jane Borges explore the lives of some of these women, and how, in cold blood, they were able to make their way up in what was certainly a man's world. From Kamathipura to Dongri, from assassins to molls, this is a collection that tells the stories of women who have become legend in Mumbai's streets, lanes and back-alleys. Absorbingly told, impeccably researched, Mafia Queens of Mumbai reveals a side of Mumbai's Underworld that has never been seen before.
290 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2011
About the author
S. Hussain Zaidi
16 books531 followersS. Hussain Zaidi is a prominent Indian author, journalist, and screenwriter celebrated for his invaluable contributions to the world of crime reporting, investigative journalism, and storytelling. Born on February 28, 1962, in Mumbai, India, Zaidi has left an indelible mark on the literary and cinematic landscapes of India, particularly in the realm of crime and the Mumbai underworld.
S. Hussain Zaidi embarked on his career as a crime reporter, where he honed his skills in uncovering hidden truths and delving into the intricacies of organized crime in Mumbai. His early experiences as a journalist provided him with a deep understanding of the criminal world and its dynamics.
Over the years, Zaidi transitioned from journalism to writing and screenwriting, bringing his unparalleled insights and storytelling prowess to a wider audience. His unique ability to humanize the characters in his narratives, whether they are criminals or law enforcement officers, sets his work apart.
"Black Friday: The True Story of the Bombay Bomb Blasts" - Zaidi's book "Black Friday" is a compelling account of the 1993 Bombay bombings. It presents a factual and thorough examination of the events leading up to the blasts and their aftermath.
"Dongri to Dubai: Six Decades of the Mumbai Mafia" - This critically acclaimed book stands as one of Zaidi's most notable works. It meticulously traces the evolution of organized crime in Mumbai over six decades. The book offers a comprehensive and gripping account of the city's criminal history.
"Mafia Queens of Mumbai: Stories of Women from the Ganglands" - In this compelling book, Zaidi sheds light on the powerful and enigmatic women who played significant roles in Mumbai's underworld. He tells their stories with empathy and detail, providing a fresh perspective on the world of crime.
S. Hussain Zaidi's influential literary works have transcended the confines of the written word and made a powerful impact on the silver screen. Some noteworthy adaptations of his books include:
"Black Friday" (2007) - Directed by Anurag Kashyap.
"Shootout at Wadala" (2013) - Directed by Sanjay Gupta.
"Class of '83" (2020) - Directed by Atul Sabharwal.
"Gangubai Kathiawadi" (2022) - Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, among many others.
In addition to his contributions to the film industry, S. Hussain Zaidi has harnessed his creative prowess in the realm of film and web series production. His noteworthy productions encompass projects like "Bard of Blood" and "Scoop" on Netflix, as well as the recent addition "Bambai Meri Jaan," available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
S. Hussain Zaidi has played a pivotal role in nurturing emerging literary talents within the authorship realm. Notably, individuals such as Bilal Siddique, Neeraj Kumar (Commissioner of Delhi Police), Kashif Mashaikh, and many more have found their path to success as authors under his guidance. This mentoring initiative is facilitated through "Blue Salt Media," an imprint in collaboration with Penguin India.
S. Hussain Zaidi's work, both in literature and cinema, continues to captivate audiences with its gritty realism, engaging storytelling, and insights into the complex world of crime and law enforcement in India. His contributions have not only enriched the true crime genre but have also served as a source of inspiration for aspiring writers, journalists, and filmmakers.
S. Hussain Zaidi embarked on his career as a crime reporter, where he honed his skills in uncovering hidden truths and delving into the intricacies of organized crime in Mumbai. His early experiences as a journalist provided him with a deep understanding of the criminal world and its dynamics.
Over the years, Zaidi transitioned from journalism to writing and screenwriting, bringing his unparalleled insights and storytelling prowess to a wider audience. His unique ability to humanize the characters in his narratives, whether they are criminals or law enforcement officers, sets his work apart.
"Black Friday: The True Story of the Bombay Bomb Blasts" - Zaidi's book "Black Friday" is a compelling account of the 1993 Bombay bombings. It presents a factual and thorough examination of the events leading up to the blasts and their aftermath.
"Dongri to Dubai: Six Decades of the Mumbai Mafia" - This critically acclaimed book stands as one of Zaidi's most notable works. It meticulously traces the evolution of organized crime in Mumbai over six decades. The book offers a comprehensive and gripping account of the city's criminal history.
"Mafia Queens of Mumbai: Stories of Women from the Ganglands" - In this compelling book, Zaidi sheds light on the powerful and enigmatic women who played significant roles in Mumbai's underworld. He tells their stories with empathy and detail, providing a fresh perspective on the world of crime.
S. Hussain Zaidi's influential literary works have transcended the confines of the written word and made a powerful impact on the silver screen. Some noteworthy adaptations of his books include:
"Black Friday" (2007) - Directed by Anurag Kashyap.
"Shootout at Wadala" (2013) - Directed by Sanjay Gupta.
"Class of '83" (2020) - Directed by Atul Sabharwal.
"Gangubai Kathiawadi" (2022) - Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, among many others.
In addition to his contributions to the film industry, S. Hussain Zaidi has harnessed his creative prowess in the realm of film and web series production. His noteworthy productions encompass projects like "Bard of Blood" and "Scoop" on Netflix, as well as the recent addition "Bambai Meri Jaan," available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
S. Hussain Zaidi has played a pivotal role in nurturing emerging literary talents within the authorship realm. Notably, individuals such as Bilal Siddique, Neeraj Kumar (Commissioner of Delhi Police), Kashif Mashaikh, and many more have found their path to success as authors under his guidance. This mentoring initiative is facilitated through "Blue Salt Media," an imprint in collaboration with Penguin India.
S. Hussain Zaidi's work, both in literature and cinema, continues to captivate audiences with its gritty realism, engaging storytelling, and insights into the complex world of crime and law enforcement in India. His contributions have not only enriched the true crime genre but have also served as a source of inspiration for aspiring writers, journalists, and filmmakers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 352 reviews
May 20, 2011
Having lived in Mumbai for many years, I have never encountered or witnessed, thank god for that, the underworld and their dealings. However, as I grew up in that city, I have read, heard many stories about the underworld. The lives of gangsters were in the open whenever one of them was caught. The stories haunted us for days together until we got back to normal life on the streets of Mumbai. When I look back at those years, I realize that Mumbai is quite a safe city for an average citizen of this hub. I mean, one would not encounter any such ghastly dealings in that city if one keeps to oneself.
[image]However, should you step out of that zone and do things that border on the dangerous; you might be exposed to the dealings of the underworld. I read the book with much interest and it also came across as an extremely well researched piece of investigative journalism. I call it “Investigative Journalism” because the authors have essentially done massive research and have investigated the lives of these gangsters in a city like Mumbai.
I am shocked to read about their humble beginnings and their naïve existence. I have often wondered how these people who started out their lives as ordinary, average citizens of this city soon turned to a life full of crime and deception. There are stories of the; so called; uneducated as well as the stories of highly educated people who have taken up such paths leading to destruction. The title of the book would tell you that the stories are about women who ruled the underworld on several occasions. Many of them have taken immense risks in order to be there ruling where they were at that time.
If you step back and think about the reasons that might have led them to live a life like that, I am sure you would know that many of them got into it by accident, some of them got into it for love, some of them started this to take revenge and some got into it by accident. There were few who got into it unknowingly as well. They were as innocent as any average human being in that city but somehow got the company of men who walked on the path of crime and that pushed them into the underworld dealings.
It was sad to read the story of “Gangubai” who was sold by her boyfriend to a brothel in Kamathipura and the ordeal she had to undergo before she became a known figure there. The story is very tragic because it talks about deception in a big way. Young girls of 16-17 years are sold to brothels when they know nothing about the flesh trade. The story is quite difficult to fathom. It was also heartening to read that Gangubai later adopted children from the locality and raised them. Except one, all the remaining children were residing outside this red light area free from the trade and ugly side of life.
The story of “Papamani” who ran one of the biggest drugs dealing business in Mumbai is also compelling. It talks about trials and tribulations of these people. One the reasons for my favorable opinion toward the book is the down-to-earth and yet compelling narrative. It highlights the struggle of these women in a so called “man dominated” world. These women walked along with men and also at times, manipulated them to achieve the position they achieved in the profession they chose for themselves.
When I read the book, I sensed the sad undertone because these women appeared to come from humble backgrounds with humble expectations from life. All that they needed was love, care and a family. Those expectations were not at all different from any other woman’s expectations. Yet, circumstances, situations forced them to take up the path of crime. It also appears from their stories that once they chose that path, there was absolutely no turning back. They did not turn back as well. They fought the battle with life.
The story of “Nita Naik” and her husband Ashwin Naik has quite a tragic touch to it. It was a sad story. One can refuse to look at these stories with sensitivity but if we were to look at another aspect of their existence and understand how meager it was, one would realize that they had no other way but to fight it out with life. I was particularly sad to read the stories of Gangubai and that of Neeta Naik.
The book also tells stories of women who hang around men. The metaphor of Hindi movie villains and their women around was quite interesting. The book upfront clarifies that in our Hindi films, these women are shown to be show pieces but in real life, they are women of substance who control many things around these gangsters. There are short stories of many such women who made men turn to them for various reasons.
The preface is written by none other than the celebrated director, Vishal Bharadwaj. If I remember his preface, he says that the book is quite tragic and tells stories of women who while ruled the underworld has had a life full of trials and tribulations. However, he also credits the authors by saying that the stories are almost like screenplay of a movie. It is vivid and quite appealing to the reader.
One can visualize the surroundings as one goes about reading each of the stories. I wondered about that. I was not sure if someone could write something so well. However, I must admit that while reading the story, “The Matriarch of Kamathipura” on Gangubai I truly felt that the story was almost like a screenplay. It was so well written that as I read each paragraph, the whole surrounding and the characters were moving in my mind like a movie in slow motion.
Please read this book if you want a look inside the world of gangsters. Read it to know what it meant for these women to carve a place for themselves in that ugly world of the dons. Read it to know what is means to live a life that seems grand but in reality quite dangerous. Read this book to understand what compels people to take up professions or activities that they, in normal circumstances, would never ever take up.
Read it to understand that a human being is driven not only by power and money but also by the need to love and be loved. The book is about women who chose a life full of existentialism.
[image]However, should you step out of that zone and do things that border on the dangerous; you might be exposed to the dealings of the underworld. I read the book with much interest and it also came across as an extremely well researched piece of investigative journalism. I call it “Investigative Journalism” because the authors have essentially done massive research and have investigated the lives of these gangsters in a city like Mumbai.
I am shocked to read about their humble beginnings and their naïve existence. I have often wondered how these people who started out their lives as ordinary, average citizens of this city soon turned to a life full of crime and deception. There are stories of the; so called; uneducated as well as the stories of highly educated people who have taken up such paths leading to destruction. The title of the book would tell you that the stories are about women who ruled the underworld on several occasions. Many of them have taken immense risks in order to be there ruling where they were at that time.
If you step back and think about the reasons that might have led them to live a life like that, I am sure you would know that many of them got into it by accident, some of them got into it for love, some of them started this to take revenge and some got into it by accident. There were few who got into it unknowingly as well. They were as innocent as any average human being in that city but somehow got the company of men who walked on the path of crime and that pushed them into the underworld dealings.
It was sad to read the story of “Gangubai” who was sold by her boyfriend to a brothel in Kamathipura and the ordeal she had to undergo before she became a known figure there. The story is very tragic because it talks about deception in a big way. Young girls of 16-17 years are sold to brothels when they know nothing about the flesh trade. The story is quite difficult to fathom. It was also heartening to read that Gangubai later adopted children from the locality and raised them. Except one, all the remaining children were residing outside this red light area free from the trade and ugly side of life.
The story of “Papamani” who ran one of the biggest drugs dealing business in Mumbai is also compelling. It talks about trials and tribulations of these people. One the reasons for my favorable opinion toward the book is the down-to-earth and yet compelling narrative. It highlights the struggle of these women in a so called “man dominated” world. These women walked along with men and also at times, manipulated them to achieve the position they achieved in the profession they chose for themselves.
When I read the book, I sensed the sad undertone because these women appeared to come from humble backgrounds with humble expectations from life. All that they needed was love, care and a family. Those expectations were not at all different from any other woman’s expectations. Yet, circumstances, situations forced them to take up the path of crime. It also appears from their stories that once they chose that path, there was absolutely no turning back. They did not turn back as well. They fought the battle with life.
The story of “Nita Naik” and her husband Ashwin Naik has quite a tragic touch to it. It was a sad story. One can refuse to look at these stories with sensitivity but if we were to look at another aspect of their existence and understand how meager it was, one would realize that they had no other way but to fight it out with life. I was particularly sad to read the stories of Gangubai and that of Neeta Naik.
The book also tells stories of women who hang around men. The metaphor of Hindi movie villains and their women around was quite interesting. The book upfront clarifies that in our Hindi films, these women are shown to be show pieces but in real life, they are women of substance who control many things around these gangsters. There are short stories of many such women who made men turn to them for various reasons.
The preface is written by none other than the celebrated director, Vishal Bharadwaj. If I remember his preface, he says that the book is quite tragic and tells stories of women who while ruled the underworld has had a life full of trials and tribulations. However, he also credits the authors by saying that the stories are almost like screenplay of a movie. It is vivid and quite appealing to the reader.
One can visualize the surroundings as one goes about reading each of the stories. I wondered about that. I was not sure if someone could write something so well. However, I must admit that while reading the story, “The Matriarch of Kamathipura” on Gangubai I truly felt that the story was almost like a screenplay. It was so well written that as I read each paragraph, the whole surrounding and the characters were moving in my mind like a movie in slow motion.
Please read this book if you want a look inside the world of gangsters. Read it to know what it meant for these women to carve a place for themselves in that ugly world of the dons. Read it to know what is means to live a life that seems grand but in reality quite dangerous. Read this book to understand what compels people to take up professions or activities that they, in normal circumstances, would never ever take up.
Read it to understand that a human being is driven not only by power and money but also by the need to love and be loved. The book is about women who chose a life full of existentialism.
February 5, 2020
Well I cannot accept glorified version of real life gangsters.
Still the book has given me some new information.
Detailed review may follow.
Still the book has given me some new information.
Detailed review may follow.
November 20, 2017
That the female of the species is deadlier than the male. - Rudyard Kipling
I stumbled upon this one in 2013, as a reference for the evident research subject and it swiped right into the Mumbai loving space of my mind. The underworld connections always intrigued me well enough weaving within the political layers.
Guns are more attractive than roses. – Vishal Bhardwaj
I completely agree with reading this one. The language of Mr. Former Investigative Journalist - Mr.Zaidi is sharp-clawed and elucidative. The typical Mumbaiya language – Bhai, Ghoda, Gharwali, & so on grips you in such impactful way. Though fictional, Mr. Zaidi brings every character to life within the story.
• The powerful Jenabai started smuggling in 1940 – Danaa Bazaar, Mumbai. The journey as from Jenabai – Jenabai Chaavaliwali – Jenabai Daaruwali – Jenabai (advisor to Haji Mastan and Karim Lala and Vardharajan Mudaliar) - Jenabai Police Informant, continued ruling over the reign of Dawood Ibrahim too.
• Gangubai’s story rooted from The red-lighted area of Mumbai – Kamthipura to Karim Lala & certain political reigns branching the access.
• I could say – Ashraf aka Sapnadidi is the favorite one of mine. The lady who avenges with the literal guns. Her guts are completely astonishing. Her connection with the rival of Dawood, Hussain Ustra is quite significant.
• Mahalaxmi Papamani known as Amma – rages to riches from trading drugs and still unharmed by Narcotics Department.
• Abu Salem & Monica Bedi’s anecdote is already widely encountered.
• Asha Gawli, Neeta Naik, Sujata Nikhalje and Padma Poojary – the wives who positioned themselves between Uniform-Wallahs(Police) & the criminal activities of their husbands. Looking into their lives literally seems as seeping through a movie script.
• Mrs. Paul & Rubina belonged to the “Mole category” - For the average Indian who has grown up on a diet of Bollywood action potboilers, the first image the word ‘moll’ conjures up is that of a fair-skinned, scantily-clad woman blessed with a perfect physique with a penchant for imported liquor and cigarettes. She sways in nightclubs with the same grace and élan with which she sashays through the hearts of men. Her gambling habits at ritzy casinos are the stuff of legend, while she plays mischief-maker on demand at the insistence of her gangster boss. Holding their prime positions in events.
• Tarannum Khan made millions from her betting on cricket, while Archana Sharma through being a threat to millionaires.
I put this one in the criminal journal to precise Feminine Criminal Journal. At times, this one does gives mixed feelings me on - Feminisim It makes one question it & answer it simultaneously.
I stumbled upon this one in 2013, as a reference for the evident research subject and it swiped right into the Mumbai loving space of my mind. The underworld connections always intrigued me well enough weaving within the political layers.
Guns are more attractive than roses. – Vishal Bhardwaj
I completely agree with reading this one. The language of Mr. Former Investigative Journalist - Mr.Zaidi is sharp-clawed and elucidative. The typical Mumbaiya language – Bhai, Ghoda, Gharwali, & so on grips you in such impactful way. Though fictional, Mr. Zaidi brings every character to life within the story.
• The powerful Jenabai started smuggling in 1940 – Danaa Bazaar, Mumbai. The journey as from Jenabai – Jenabai Chaavaliwali – Jenabai Daaruwali – Jenabai (advisor to Haji Mastan and Karim Lala and Vardharajan Mudaliar) - Jenabai Police Informant, continued ruling over the reign of Dawood Ibrahim too.
• Gangubai’s story rooted from The red-lighted area of Mumbai – Kamthipura to Karim Lala & certain political reigns branching the access.
• I could say – Ashraf aka Sapnadidi is the favorite one of mine. The lady who avenges with the literal guns. Her guts are completely astonishing. Her connection with the rival of Dawood, Hussain Ustra is quite significant.
• Mahalaxmi Papamani known as Amma – rages to riches from trading drugs and still unharmed by Narcotics Department.
• Abu Salem & Monica Bedi’s anecdote is already widely encountered.
• Asha Gawli, Neeta Naik, Sujata Nikhalje and Padma Poojary – the wives who positioned themselves between Uniform-Wallahs(Police) & the criminal activities of their husbands. Looking into their lives literally seems as seeping through a movie script.
• Mrs. Paul & Rubina belonged to the “Mole category” - For the average Indian who has grown up on a diet of Bollywood action potboilers, the first image the word ‘moll’ conjures up is that of a fair-skinned, scantily-clad woman blessed with a perfect physique with a penchant for imported liquor and cigarettes. She sways in nightclubs with the same grace and élan with which she sashays through the hearts of men. Her gambling habits at ritzy casinos are the stuff of legend, while she plays mischief-maker on demand at the insistence of her gangster boss. Holding their prime positions in events.
• Tarannum Khan made millions from her betting on cricket, while Archana Sharma through being a threat to millionaires.
I put this one in the criminal journal to precise Feminine Criminal Journal. At times, this one does gives mixed feelings me on - Feminisim It makes one question it & answer it simultaneously.
April 22, 2021
"Crime is juicier than spirituality. Guns are more attractive than roses. ....Lady Macbeth is more complex and fascinating a character than Macbeth or King Duncan." - Vishal Bhardwaj.
This is the very same reason, why most of us will pick this book to read.
And what makes it more interesting!?
The book has talked about the characters of Jenabai, Gangubai, Sapna didi, Mahalaxshmi Papamani, etc. who have existed alongside the likes of Dawood Ibrahim, Karim Lala, Varadara- jan Mudaliar.
I stumbled upon this book after watching the trailer of the movie "Gangubai Kathewali." Right after watching the trailer, I was curious to know more about her, and after some internet, browsing came across this well-researched book.
Indian crime writer and former investigative journalist, Mr. Zaidi and Mumbai-based journalist and writer, Jane Borges made a decent attempt to portray the complex minds and psyche of women criminals.
The book begins with "The Willy Old Woman of Dongri", the journey of Jeenabai Chaavalwali to Jeenabai Daaruwali to Dongri's godmother. The bootlegger turns informer, Jeenabai, was witty, cunning, and courageous. Survived with ease, in the Mumbai underworld, with the likes of Mastan, Karim Lala, Vardharajan Mudaliar.......
"The fact that Jenabai was the only woman there, sitting amongst them and chatting comfortably with the men, said much about her influence and the respect that she was accorded in the underworld at the time."
This was, Jeenabai Daaruwali a.k.a. 'Aapa.'
"The Matriarch of Kamathipura", the story of the brothel madam, Gangubai, was a heart-touching one. A mistake of her childhood cost her so much and changed the course of her life altogether. However, she adopted that rather sportingly and ended up managing several brothels, helped several girls who were unknowingly lured into this business by their husbands/boyfriends.
She was "the voice of the prostitutes of Kamathipura." She was also one of the first to throw light into the life of sex workers, their hardships, their contribution to society, and argued for why they should be treated with equality.
"Femme Fatale", the story that ached my heart the most! Her story was no less than a Bollywood thriller. A shy girl, Ashraf, was happily married to Mehboob. One day received a call from her husband, he asked her to come and meet him at the airport. But something happened at Santa Cruz International Airport which changed her life altogether and brought a tragic ending to her life.
The story of "The Narco Empress" a.k.a Mahalaxmi Papamani, who used to make a profit of around 3lac rupees per month, was equivalent to the salary of a CEO of a company in Mumbai in 1991, was presented and authored by Jane Broges. Kudos to her, reading about Papamani only gives me chills, let alone meeting her alone that too in her own area.
"Mobster's Moll" talks about the then-wanted gangster Salem and actress Monica Bedi. This story has also got fair enough media attention during that time. You can never know how dark the glamour world of Bollywood may turn into just overnight- Monica's life has given a glimpse of it!
The "Wives of Hindu Dons" as the name suggested talks about the wives of some known Mumbai Mafia's and their contribution to their life. "Bewitching Beauties" narrates the story of two exceptionally notorious women who used their personalities and charismatic looks as weapons for crime.
The book is very well researched and has provided a great insight into the much-talked Mumbai underworld. This book by Zaidi and Borges provided a new dimension in the ongoing debate "that female of the species is deadlier than the male."
Nevertheless, I feel Zaidi has unnecessarily dragged the book by including the last two chapters which I feel a little out of place with the other mafia queens that got featured in this book.
If you're someone who loves crime thriller or possess a curious mind for Mumbai underworld, then this book is a must-read. The narration of this book has done enough justice, not for a single moment, you'll not feel you're watching a Bollywood thriller.
I actually want to give this book 3.5 stars!
You can read my other book reviews here: bookscoffeeipsitasscribbles.wordpress.com/
This is the very same reason, why most of us will pick this book to read.
And what makes it more interesting!?
The book has talked about the characters of Jenabai, Gangubai, Sapna didi, Mahalaxshmi Papamani, etc. who have existed alongside the likes of Dawood Ibrahim, Karim Lala, Varadara- jan Mudaliar.
I stumbled upon this book after watching the trailer of the movie "Gangubai Kathewali." Right after watching the trailer, I was curious to know more about her, and after some internet, browsing came across this well-researched book.
Indian crime writer and former investigative journalist, Mr. Zaidi and Mumbai-based journalist and writer, Jane Borges made a decent attempt to portray the complex minds and psyche of women criminals.
The book begins with "The Willy Old Woman of Dongri", the journey of Jeenabai Chaavalwali to Jeenabai Daaruwali to Dongri's godmother. The bootlegger turns informer, Jeenabai, was witty, cunning, and courageous. Survived with ease, in the Mumbai underworld, with the likes of Mastan, Karim Lala, Vardharajan Mudaliar.......
"The fact that Jenabai was the only woman there, sitting amongst them and chatting comfortably with the men, said much about her influence and the respect that she was accorded in the underworld at the time."
This was, Jeenabai Daaruwali a.k.a. 'Aapa.'
"The Matriarch of Kamathipura", the story of the brothel madam, Gangubai, was a heart-touching one. A mistake of her childhood cost her so much and changed the course of her life altogether. However, she adopted that rather sportingly and ended up managing several brothels, helped several girls who were unknowingly lured into this business by their husbands/boyfriends.
She was "the voice of the prostitutes of Kamathipura." She was also one of the first to throw light into the life of sex workers, their hardships, their contribution to society, and argued for why they should be treated with equality.
"Femme Fatale", the story that ached my heart the most! Her story was no less than a Bollywood thriller. A shy girl, Ashraf, was happily married to Mehboob. One day received a call from her husband, he asked her to come and meet him at the airport. But something happened at Santa Cruz International Airport which changed her life altogether and brought a tragic ending to her life.
The story of "The Narco Empress" a.k.a Mahalaxmi Papamani, who used to make a profit of around 3lac rupees per month, was equivalent to the salary of a CEO of a company in Mumbai in 1991, was presented and authored by Jane Broges. Kudos to her, reading about Papamani only gives me chills, let alone meeting her alone that too in her own area.
"Mobster's Moll" talks about the then-wanted gangster Salem and actress Monica Bedi. This story has also got fair enough media attention during that time. You can never know how dark the glamour world of Bollywood may turn into just overnight- Monica's life has given a glimpse of it!
The "Wives of Hindu Dons" as the name suggested talks about the wives of some known Mumbai Mafia's and their contribution to their life. "Bewitching Beauties" narrates the story of two exceptionally notorious women who used their personalities and charismatic looks as weapons for crime.
The book is very well researched and has provided a great insight into the much-talked Mumbai underworld. This book by Zaidi and Borges provided a new dimension in the ongoing debate "that female of the species is deadlier than the male."
Nevertheless, I feel Zaidi has unnecessarily dragged the book by including the last two chapters which I feel a little out of place with the other mafia queens that got featured in this book.
If you're someone who loves crime thriller or possess a curious mind for Mumbai underworld, then this book is a must-read. The narration of this book has done enough justice, not for a single moment, you'll not feel you're watching a Bollywood thriller.
I actually want to give this book 3.5 stars!
You can read my other book reviews here: bookscoffeeipsitasscribbles.wordpress.com/
October 15, 2023
Actual Rating - 4.8 stars
NPS - 10 (Promoter)
A well researched, written and engrossing reads about Mafia Queens in Bombay. The first 3/4th is the best part, the rest 1/4th is average or fizzles out, hence the rating.
But highly recommend this one, it’s a good read for your reading slump.
NPS - 10 (Promoter)
A well researched, written and engrossing reads about Mafia Queens in Bombay. The first 3/4th is the best part, the rest 1/4th is average or fizzles out, hence the rating.
But highly recommend this one, it’s a good read for your reading slump.
May 8, 2020
I found this book gripping. As soon as I started I was hooked up and finished the whole in just two sittings.
Male villains are interesting, but the female ones are more interesting, that's what Vishal Bhardwaj tries to convey in the preface, but as I proceed through the stories of these underworld women, I find in them a lot of innocence, good nature and a bit of cunningness and grey shade. Most of them were helpless by the situations.
Only a few were real villains.
This was the first time that I read S. Hussain Zaidi. He is a journalist, but I don't think I have ever read any of his articles.
Starting from Jenabai Daruwali who almost acted as the Godmother for Haji Mastan and Dawood Ibrahim, the book ends on vicious and crafty bar girls.
Story of Jenabai was really impressive, Gangubai-the sex worker or 'Kamathipura Ki Amma' and her connection with the gangster Karima Lala as brother-sister and in later days her social works were also good, somewhat like Nalini Jameela (the first sex-worker who wrote her autobiography), but the most awful and heart-rending story in the collection was of Ashraf aka Sapna Didi, a widow whose husband was murdered by Dawood Ibrahim because he wanted to leave his Comapany. She loved her husband so much that she decided to kill Dawood and for this went through extensive training of arms and weapons, but she came to dreadful and brutal end. Ibrahim's goons butchered her with knives. At that time, it was the most brutal murder in police record. Total 22 cuts.
I got some real villainy in Mahalakshmi Papamani, the drug-mafia. She too was helpless by her poverty and her handicapped and alcoholic husband. She started as a drug-peddler but built a huge empire in illegal drug-dealings later. Then comes the story of Monika Bedi and Abu Salem, of which I was a little familiar but here it was in full detail, from the beginning of the trap till the extradition of both from Lisbon.
Afterwards, there are stories of Hindu gangsters' wives; Asha Gawli aka Mummy, wife of Arun Gawli aka Daddy (their followers called the duo Mummy-Daddy). You might be acquainted with this gangster-cum-politician, if you have watched the Bollywood movie Daddy (2017). Neeta Naik, wife of the gangster Ashwin Naik. She was educated and from good family but fell in love with a gangster. Later, she supported her husband by joining politics when he was in jail, but the bastard get killed her suspecting she had an affair. Sujata Nikhalje aka Nani wife of Rajendra Sadashiv Nikhalje aka Chhota Rajan aka Nana, this lady was really much indulged with her husband in various organised crimes. She has been arrested and sent to jail many times. In present, she is on bail and living in Tilak Nagar area of Mumbai. Padma Pujari wife of Ravi Pujari, a close aid of Chhota Rajan, she too was indulged in extortion with her husband. Right now, she is absconding and in the wanted list of INTERPOL.
There are a few girlfriends and mistresses of the gangsters; Shamim Mirza Beg aka Mrs Paul, inamorata of Arif Beg, a close aid of Chhota Shakeel; Rubina Siraj Sayyed, mistress of Chhota Shakeel; Tarannum Khan, a bar dancer who made huge money in cricket betting; Archana Balmukund Sharma aka Manisha aka Lady Don with Killer Looks, her face resembled of Manisha Koirala, the Nepali beauty, she used several men even notorious gangsters for money. Right now, she is missing.
So, this is all about of the contents. I have just given one or two lines for every character, but the writer has delved deep and described them in full detail. I found it as a fine work of narrative journalism. The style is so picturesque you will feel like you are watching a movie while reading it.
Male villains are interesting, but the female ones are more interesting, that's what Vishal Bhardwaj tries to convey in the preface, but as I proceed through the stories of these underworld women, I find in them a lot of innocence, good nature and a bit of cunningness and grey shade. Most of them were helpless by the situations.
Only a few were real villains.
This was the first time that I read S. Hussain Zaidi. He is a journalist, but I don't think I have ever read any of his articles.
Starting from Jenabai Daruwali who almost acted as the Godmother for Haji Mastan and Dawood Ibrahim, the book ends on vicious and crafty bar girls.
Story of Jenabai was really impressive, Gangubai-the sex worker or 'Kamathipura Ki Amma' and her connection with the gangster Karima Lala as brother-sister and in later days her social works were also good, somewhat like Nalini Jameela (the first sex-worker who wrote her autobiography), but the most awful and heart-rending story in the collection was of Ashraf aka Sapna Didi, a widow whose husband was murdered by Dawood Ibrahim because he wanted to leave his Comapany. She loved her husband so much that she decided to kill Dawood and for this went through extensive training of arms and weapons, but she came to dreadful and brutal end. Ibrahim's goons butchered her with knives. At that time, it was the most brutal murder in police record. Total 22 cuts.
I got some real villainy in Mahalakshmi Papamani, the drug-mafia. She too was helpless by her poverty and her handicapped and alcoholic husband. She started as a drug-peddler but built a huge empire in illegal drug-dealings later. Then comes the story of Monika Bedi and Abu Salem, of which I was a little familiar but here it was in full detail, from the beginning of the trap till the extradition of both from Lisbon.
Afterwards, there are stories of Hindu gangsters' wives; Asha Gawli aka Mummy, wife of Arun Gawli aka Daddy (their followers called the duo Mummy-Daddy). You might be acquainted with this gangster-cum-politician, if you have watched the Bollywood movie Daddy (2017). Neeta Naik, wife of the gangster Ashwin Naik. She was educated and from good family but fell in love with a gangster. Later, she supported her husband by joining politics when he was in jail, but the bastard get killed her suspecting she had an affair. Sujata Nikhalje aka Nani wife of Rajendra Sadashiv Nikhalje aka Chhota Rajan aka Nana, this lady was really much indulged with her husband in various organised crimes. She has been arrested and sent to jail many times. In present, she is on bail and living in Tilak Nagar area of Mumbai. Padma Pujari wife of Ravi Pujari, a close aid of Chhota Rajan, she too was indulged in extortion with her husband. Right now, she is absconding and in the wanted list of INTERPOL.
There are a few girlfriends and mistresses of the gangsters; Shamim Mirza Beg aka Mrs Paul, inamorata of Arif Beg, a close aid of Chhota Shakeel; Rubina Siraj Sayyed, mistress of Chhota Shakeel; Tarannum Khan, a bar dancer who made huge money in cricket betting; Archana Balmukund Sharma aka Manisha aka Lady Don with Killer Looks, her face resembled of Manisha Koirala, the Nepali beauty, she used several men even notorious gangsters for money. Right now, she is missing.
So, this is all about of the contents. I have just given one or two lines for every character, but the writer has delved deep and described them in full detail. I found it as a fine work of narrative journalism. The style is so picturesque you will feel like you are watching a movie while reading it.
March 11, 2015
In the corner of a graveyard in Mumbai lies an unmarked tombstone of a woman who was revered as godmother by you-know-who himself. Somewhere else, many years ago, an alone, sick and pained woman was stabbed multiple times in her private parts because she dared to stand up for her beloved departed and many more years ago and still remembered as a deity by few was a sex worker who'd put today's feminists to shame. True stories of women who made their own footing in the dangerous and bloody of Mumbai's underworld and were unremembered until Mr Zaidi wrote this book.
There is this line from a Tamil song I always remember when reading Mr. Zaidi's characters in his books - "Naragam adil nee vazhandaal, mirugam ena maara vendum" which roughly translates as "should you live in hell, it is imperative you become an animal (to survive & thrive)". Victims of their circumstances and environment the people in Mr Zaidi's books did what they had to do and paid the price, lived by the sword and died by it.
What I liked:
1. Instead of painting it all black and white Mr. Zaidi puts perspective to the narrative which is important.
2. I am no expert on the underworld but this for sure reeks of authenticity. Don't know if I can point to a particular chapter or a paragraph to prove my point but there is something about listening to similar stories from veteran reporters that I know that what Mr Zaidi writes is only what a very credible source could've told him. Total paisa vasool.
3. The photographs were a revelation. Interesting to put faces to infamous names.
What I did not like:
Not much, just that it looked like he tried to cram a few uninteresting ones in the end to fatten the book which he shouldn't have at all. The quality matters not quantity but who am I to say that to a veteran journalist who put his life at risk to bring this book to light for us?
I will end by saying that India's non-fiction scene has taken a definite turn for good with Mr. Zaidi's works. Worth the read and worth the five stars.
There is this line from a Tamil song I always remember when reading Mr. Zaidi's characters in his books - "Naragam adil nee vazhandaal, mirugam ena maara vendum" which roughly translates as "should you live in hell, it is imperative you become an animal (to survive & thrive)". Victims of their circumstances and environment the people in Mr Zaidi's books did what they had to do and paid the price, lived by the sword and died by it.
What I liked:
1. Instead of painting it all black and white Mr. Zaidi puts perspective to the narrative which is important.
2. I am no expert on the underworld but this for sure reeks of authenticity. Don't know if I can point to a particular chapter or a paragraph to prove my point but there is something about listening to similar stories from veteran reporters that I know that what Mr Zaidi writes is only what a very credible source could've told him. Total paisa vasool.
3. The photographs were a revelation. Interesting to put faces to infamous names.
What I did not like:
Not much, just that it looked like he tried to cram a few uninteresting ones in the end to fatten the book which he shouldn't have at all. The quality matters not quantity but who am I to say that to a veteran journalist who put his life at risk to bring this book to light for us?
I will end by saying that India's non-fiction scene has taken a definite turn for good with Mr. Zaidi's works. Worth the read and worth the five stars.
July 3, 2017
I don't read a lot of books about gangsters, but the ones that I have, all revolve around male gangsters. In Mafia Queens of Mumbai, lives of women who were part of the mafia have been told so well by Hussain S. Zaidi. From Jenabai to Pappamani, from being narco empresses to mobster molls, the stories seem unreal when you first start reading them, because we (or maybe it's just me) have never seen/read stories of women from the ganglands. The stories themselves have been narrated so well, it's difficult to put the book down.
August 23, 2011
Wow! wat a book! i picked it at 0040 AM today, thinking it'll lull me to sleep - and instead i sat up till 330 and finished this at 1 shot!
Def 1 of the most riveting pieces of journalistic writing that i hv come across in a long time, and the author has manged to keep it succinct, yet filled with tidbits to titillate our never ending fascination with Mumbai and its underbelly!
Go read it!
Def 1 of the most riveting pieces of journalistic writing that i hv come across in a long time, and the author has manged to keep it succinct, yet filled with tidbits to titillate our never ending fascination with Mumbai and its underbelly!
Go read it!
April 19, 2022
What a wonderful book, Staying in Mumbai especially in the 80s - 90s era and hearing a lord about the Dons and underworld Mafia etc, this book was also so refreshing to read from the perspective of the Mafia Queens aka the Women in the industry of Mafiagiri. Obviously women have to mark their presence in each industry right...
Having interacted with both the authors Jane Borges and S. Hussain Zaidi through our book club, It was such a delight to see the book was written with a neutral perspective without glorifying or demeaning any of the Mafia queens mentioned in the book.
I was hooked to learn the tenacity, the grit, the determination of each of these ladies who had come to rule the underworld by their own choice, desire or by the virtue that their love for their respective partners made them choose this world wittingly or unwittingly.
It was also good to visit the bylanes of Mumbai city especially the underbelly areas like Dongri, Kamthipura, The Deepa Bar etc. Starlets like Monica Bedi, Preeti Jain and Tarannum Khan have used their beauty to the hilt and others like Rubina and Papamani gave a damn about beauty and ruled the underworld on the basis of their brain powers.
A good read especially for anyone interested in topics like organised crime, terrorism, extortion etc.
Having interacted with both the authors Jane Borges and S. Hussain Zaidi through our book club, It was such a delight to see the book was written with a neutral perspective without glorifying or demeaning any of the Mafia queens mentioned in the book.
I was hooked to learn the tenacity, the grit, the determination of each of these ladies who had come to rule the underworld by their own choice, desire or by the virtue that their love for their respective partners made them choose this world wittingly or unwittingly.
It was also good to visit the bylanes of Mumbai city especially the underbelly areas like Dongri, Kamthipura, The Deepa Bar etc. Starlets like Monica Bedi, Preeti Jain and Tarannum Khan have used their beauty to the hilt and others like Rubina and Papamani gave a damn about beauty and ruled the underworld on the basis of their brain powers.
A good read especially for anyone interested in topics like organised crime, terrorism, extortion etc.
February 21, 2022
Mafia Queens of Mumbai - S. Hussain Zaidi
ದಾವುದ್ ಇಬ್ರಾಹಿಂ, ಕರಿಮ್ ಲಾಲ್, ಚೊಟಾ ಶಕಿಲ್, ಚೊಟಾ ರಾಜನ್, ಹಾಜಿ ಮಸ್ತಾನ್ ಮುಂತಾದ ಹೆಸರುಗಳು ಎಲ್ಲರಿಗೂ ಪರಿಚಯ. ಆದರೆ ಮುಂಬೈ ಅಂಡರ್'ವರ್ಲ್ಡ್ ನಲ್ಲಿ ಕೊಲೆ, ಸುಲಿಗೆ, ವೆಶ್ಯಾವಾಟಿಕೆ, ಡ್ರಗ್ಸ್ ದಂದೆಗಳ ಮೂಲಕ ತಮ್ಮದೇ ಆದ ಗುರುತು ಮೂಡಿಸಿಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದ ಜಿನಾಬಾಯಿ ದಾರುವಾಲಿ, ಗಂಗೂಬಾಯಿ ಕಾತಿಯಾವಾಡಿ, ಸಪ್ನಾ ದಿದಿ, ಮಹಾಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಿ ಪಾಪಮನಿ ಮುಂತಾದ ಹೆಸರುಗಳೊಂದಿಗೆ ಒಟ್ಟು ೧೩ ಮಾಫಿಯಾ ಮಹಿಳೆಯರು ಮುಂಬೈ ಅಂಡರ್ ವರ್ಲ್ಡ್ ನಲ್ಲಿ ಬೆಳೆದು ಬಂದ ದಾರಿಯನ್ನು ಈ ಪುಸ್ತಕ ತೊರಿಸುತ್ತದೆ.
ದಾವುದ್ ಇಬ್ರಾಹಿಂ, ಕರಿಮ್ ಲಾಲ್, ಚೊಟಾ ಶಕಿಲ್, ಚೊಟಾ ರಾಜನ್, ಹಾಜಿ ಮಸ್ತಾನ್ ಮುಂತಾದ ಹೆಸರುಗಳು ಎಲ್ಲರಿಗೂ ಪರಿಚಯ. ಆದರೆ ಮುಂಬೈ ಅಂಡರ್'ವರ್ಲ್ಡ್ ನಲ್ಲಿ ಕೊಲೆ, ಸುಲಿಗೆ, ವೆಶ್ಯಾವಾಟಿಕೆ, ಡ್ರಗ್ಸ್ ದಂದೆಗಳ ಮೂಲಕ ತಮ್ಮದೇ ಆದ ಗುರುತು ಮೂಡಿಸಿಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದ ಜಿನಾಬಾಯಿ ದಾರುವಾಲಿ, ಗಂಗೂಬಾಯಿ ಕಾತಿಯಾವಾಡಿ, ಸಪ್ನಾ ದಿದಿ, ಮಹಾಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಿ ಪಾಪಮನಿ ಮುಂತಾದ ಹೆಸರುಗಳೊಂದಿಗೆ ಒಟ್ಟು ೧೩ ಮಾಫಿಯಾ ಮಹಿಳೆಯರು ಮುಂಬೈ ಅಂಡರ್ ವರ್ಲ್ಡ್ ನಲ್ಲಿ ಬೆಳೆದು ಬಂದ ದಾರಿಯನ್ನು ಈ ಪುಸ್ತಕ ತೊರಿಸುತ್ತದೆ.
March 12, 2021
It's an interesting book on the women gangsters in Mumbai. Most of them are wives, girlfriends or mistresses of dreaded gangsters who were forced to enter the world of crime. While circumstances forced some to take up crime while some entered in the crime world willingly lured by money and luxuries. The stories are interesting, the writing style fast paced and engaging.
November 11, 2021
Something with so much potential but because the writing was lacking in coherency, critical thinking, analysis, or even basic human empathy, it proved a difficult read. Zaidi should not be allowed to write women. I know his books have been turned into popular films but that doesn't really say much for quality, Twilight was turned into a film too.
Each chapter focuses on a different women and for each of them, Zaidi finds a way to shove them into a cookie-cutter, 2d version of the original women e.g. the tragic beautiful young widow or the serene motherly guide waiting to give out advice. He describes how they 'fill out' their jeans, has he even met them? Please don't read this, I made it to the third story and realised it was a disservice to these women and my braincells if I kept reading.
Each chapter focuses on a different women and for each of them, Zaidi finds a way to shove them into a cookie-cutter, 2d version of the original women e.g. the tragic beautiful young widow or the serene motherly guide waiting to give out advice. He describes how they 'fill out' their jeans, has he even met them? Please don't read this, I made it to the third story and realised it was a disservice to these women and my braincells if I kept reading.
December 7, 2021
DNF at 60%
The way the author writes about women makes me roll my eyes to the back of my brain where I wish I hadn't lost as many brain cells as I did reading this stupid book
The way the author writes about women makes me roll my eyes to the back of my brain where I wish I hadn't lost as many brain cells as I did reading this stupid book
May 10, 2022
Did you know that the word Mafia is a derivative of a Sicilian adjective, which roughly translates to boldness or bravado.
What is the image that comes into your head when you hear the word Mafia and Mumbai in the same sentence?
Is it the opulent lifestyle that they lead, as shown in Bollywood movies? Is it their years of struggle through which they attained that lifestyle?
Do you only envision macho men when you hear the word Mafia?
Well, this book is about to change that.
When it comes to women criminals, the author says:
“I realised they were gutsier, far more scheming, and lethal when it came to pursuing their goals.”
Through this work, we get an insight into the complex minds and psyche of women criminals.
Dawood Ibrahim, Haji Mastan, Abu Salem, Chhota Rajan, Karim Lala - the who’s who of the underworld were often single-handedly supported or taken on by certain women who were not only bold and brave but were determined to have their way.
For some of these women, this kind of life was circumstantial, while for others, it was their choice.
At the end of the day, they are criminals and the author in no way, glorifies them. He simply puts forward their stories which somehow fail to get the limelight as compared to their male counterparts.
The book talks about:
Jenabai, Mastan not only considered her his sister and Dawood as his surrogate mother, she also tied a rakhi to Morarji Desai.
Gangubai Kathiawadi, the matriarch of Kamathipura, who is revered by all sex workers in her area, to the present day.
Ashraf, aka Sapna, who wanted revenge for her husband's death and decided to take on Dawood Ibrahim.
Monica Bedi, who got caught up because of her love for one Abu Salem….
The list continues.
The book is informative, intriguing and neutral in its approach. Go ahead, pick this up to get your quota of these hardened women who chose to have their way in a world that is not yet ready to accept them.
What is the image that comes into your head when you hear the word Mafia and Mumbai in the same sentence?
Is it the opulent lifestyle that they lead, as shown in Bollywood movies? Is it their years of struggle through which they attained that lifestyle?
Do you only envision macho men when you hear the word Mafia?
Well, this book is about to change that.
When it comes to women criminals, the author says:
“I realised they were gutsier, far more scheming, and lethal when it came to pursuing their goals.”
Through this work, we get an insight into the complex minds and psyche of women criminals.
Dawood Ibrahim, Haji Mastan, Abu Salem, Chhota Rajan, Karim Lala - the who’s who of the underworld were often single-handedly supported or taken on by certain women who were not only bold and brave but were determined to have their way.
For some of these women, this kind of life was circumstantial, while for others, it was their choice.
At the end of the day, they are criminals and the author in no way, glorifies them. He simply puts forward their stories which somehow fail to get the limelight as compared to their male counterparts.
The book talks about:
Jenabai, Mastan not only considered her his sister and Dawood as his surrogate mother, she also tied a rakhi to Morarji Desai.
Gangubai Kathiawadi, the matriarch of Kamathipura, who is revered by all sex workers in her area, to the present day.
Ashraf, aka Sapna, who wanted revenge for her husband's death and decided to take on Dawood Ibrahim.
Monica Bedi, who got caught up because of her love for one Abu Salem….
The list continues.
The book is informative, intriguing and neutral in its approach. Go ahead, pick this up to get your quota of these hardened women who chose to have their way in a world that is not yet ready to accept them.
Read
May 12, 2021Wow. A story of female gangsters who practically ran Mumbai in the 60s. My favourite has to be Jenabai and Gangubai. Literally WOW.
May 2, 2022
I was watching Gangubai Kathiawadi on Netflix when halfway through the movie I picked up this book. And boy! Did it blow away my mind! As the name suggests, this is a collection of stories of a dozen or so women who played crucial roles in the Mumbai underworld, from being the gangster's molls, to their close aides & advisors, to even strong enemies.
Many women featured here aren't outright (in)famous. The glorification of criminals & monetization of their stories is a separate debate altogether. But one can't help but wonder at the bravado of these women: what drove them to such a dangerous path? What would they have achieved with their qualities, in a different time, in different circumstances? For the time being, let's just take home the fact that such female criminals existed in the past as well, and they were as ruthless & dangerous as their male counterparts. Food for thought when considering arcane laws regarding crime by women.
Zaidi, as usual, has delivered a well - researched, well structured & a well - narrated book which reads like a movie plot. I wouldn't be surprised if each chapter is turned into a movie. With this book, I've turned into a big fan of both Zaidi & Borges for their deep knowledge about the Mumbai underworld & their story writing. Glimpses of interviews with gangsters, by Zaidi & Borges, are hair raising as they show the potential dangers these writers put themselves into as they went around collecting material for their work, which later gave birth to this book. And this groundwork makes the book much more interesting & reliable - these aren't just compilations from public information available in the news or the internet.
To conclude, this is a highly recommended book because: 1) it's written by journalists, who I can now confidently vouch, are one of the best writers with gripping tales of substance, 2) anything related to old Mumbai or Bombay has its own charm, 3) get a glimpse of the not so well-known side of the Bombay mafia.
Many women featured here aren't outright (in)famous. The glorification of criminals & monetization of their stories is a separate debate altogether. But one can't help but wonder at the bravado of these women: what drove them to such a dangerous path? What would they have achieved with their qualities, in a different time, in different circumstances? For the time being, let's just take home the fact that such female criminals existed in the past as well, and they were as ruthless & dangerous as their male counterparts. Food for thought when considering arcane laws regarding crime by women.
Zaidi, as usual, has delivered a well - researched, well structured & a well - narrated book which reads like a movie plot. I wouldn't be surprised if each chapter is turned into a movie. With this book, I've turned into a big fan of both Zaidi & Borges for their deep knowledge about the Mumbai underworld & their story writing. Glimpses of interviews with gangsters, by Zaidi & Borges, are hair raising as they show the potential dangers these writers put themselves into as they went around collecting material for their work, which later gave birth to this book. And this groundwork makes the book much more interesting & reliable - these aren't just compilations from public information available in the news or the internet.
To conclude, this is a highly recommended book because: 1) it's written by journalists, who I can now confidently vouch, are one of the best writers with gripping tales of substance, 2) anything related to old Mumbai or Bombay has its own charm, 3) get a glimpse of the not so well-known side of the Bombay mafia.
November 30, 2023
"The female of the species is more deadly than the male." - Rudyard Kipling.
November 24, 2015
Most human beings hate crime and would be appalled at the violence and depravity often displayed by the underworld. But few can claim to be completely disinterested in reading about the underworld or watching movies made around the underworld. I guess I am not an exception. I keep buying books and read them even as I abhor the utter lack of morals and the mindless violence that go with the territory.
The Mafia Queens of Mumbai by S Hussein Zaidi written along with Janes Borges makes for a fascinating reading experience. Usually, when I read, I try to get a visual imagery of what the author describes. The writing is simple but evokes strong visual imagery that is vivid, powerful and gory.
Frankly I must admit that I had not even heard of the mafia queens whose stories are told in this book, except a few. The story of Jenabhai Daruwali is extremely interesting as she appears to have been a powerhouse in the underworld even during the male-dominated heydays of Haji Mastan, Karim Lala and Varadharajan. The authors have researched the story in a painstaking manner and for that alone, the book is a worthwhile buy!
The story of Gangubhai who appears to be elevated to the status of a deity in the red light areas of Mumbai is equally powerfully narrated. She controlled several brothels and implemented her will in that area most effectively and ruthlessly. She was respected mostly for the reason that she also protected those involved in prostitution, and fought for decriminalization of prostitution. The anecdote about her meeting Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and the short conversation between them is priceless. It is a pity that we do not have much information on the last few years of her life.
Of all the stories, the one about Ashraf, who came to be later known as Sapna Didi, affected me most. She goes on a path of revenge when her husband is murdered in front of her. She dares to take on Dawood Ibrahim, who had already moved out of India and has been out of reach of the law since then. She turns informer and goes about hurting Dawood’s business in small, but effective manner. Enough to earn the wrath of the Don who has her murdered in a most brutal manner. This is a real life story that creates visions of a Bollywood thriller.
The story of Papamani who dominated the drug scene in the 1990’s is well-researched and well-narrated. One wonders what the lady is up to these days. The co-author Jane Broges who interviewed her is just all of 24 years, after having started her journalistic career at a ripe age of 11! Must be some gutsy and committed writer. I can’t make out her writing style in this jointly written book. Looking forward to more from this young writer. Power to you, young lady!
The media had covered the episode involving Abu Salem and Monica Bedi. I had also read Hussein Zaidi’s book on Abu Salem. It was good to read the story of Monica Bedi, narrated in a matter of fact manner.
These stories take up almost 70% of the book. The rest of the stories (there are 13 in all) are briefly narrated without much details. It was almost as though the authors kept their eyes on the size of the book. I wish that these narrations, too, were in more detail.
If you are one that is fascinated by stories of the underworld, here is a book that is a must-read – at least for getting the facts straight. Some of the stories are told elsewhere with titillation or gory details in mind. In this book, the one aspect that I liked was that the narration was not salacious nor sensational. A damned good read!
The Mafia Queens of Mumbai by S Hussein Zaidi written along with Janes Borges makes for a fascinating reading experience. Usually, when I read, I try to get a visual imagery of what the author describes. The writing is simple but evokes strong visual imagery that is vivid, powerful and gory.
Frankly I must admit that I had not even heard of the mafia queens whose stories are told in this book, except a few. The story of Jenabhai Daruwali is extremely interesting as she appears to have been a powerhouse in the underworld even during the male-dominated heydays of Haji Mastan, Karim Lala and Varadharajan. The authors have researched the story in a painstaking manner and for that alone, the book is a worthwhile buy!
The story of Gangubhai who appears to be elevated to the status of a deity in the red light areas of Mumbai is equally powerfully narrated. She controlled several brothels and implemented her will in that area most effectively and ruthlessly. She was respected mostly for the reason that she also protected those involved in prostitution, and fought for decriminalization of prostitution. The anecdote about her meeting Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and the short conversation between them is priceless. It is a pity that we do not have much information on the last few years of her life.
Of all the stories, the one about Ashraf, who came to be later known as Sapna Didi, affected me most. She goes on a path of revenge when her husband is murdered in front of her. She dares to take on Dawood Ibrahim, who had already moved out of India and has been out of reach of the law since then. She turns informer and goes about hurting Dawood’s business in small, but effective manner. Enough to earn the wrath of the Don who has her murdered in a most brutal manner. This is a real life story that creates visions of a Bollywood thriller.
The story of Papamani who dominated the drug scene in the 1990’s is well-researched and well-narrated. One wonders what the lady is up to these days. The co-author Jane Broges who interviewed her is just all of 24 years, after having started her journalistic career at a ripe age of 11! Must be some gutsy and committed writer. I can’t make out her writing style in this jointly written book. Looking forward to more from this young writer. Power to you, young lady!
The media had covered the episode involving Abu Salem and Monica Bedi. I had also read Hussein Zaidi’s book on Abu Salem. It was good to read the story of Monica Bedi, narrated in a matter of fact manner.
These stories take up almost 70% of the book. The rest of the stories (there are 13 in all) are briefly narrated without much details. It was almost as though the authors kept their eyes on the size of the book. I wish that these narrations, too, were in more detail.
If you are one that is fascinated by stories of the underworld, here is a book that is a must-read – at least for getting the facts straight. Some of the stories are told elsewhere with titillation or gory details in mind. In this book, the one aspect that I liked was that the narration was not salacious nor sensational. A damned good read!
July 20, 2016
S. Hussain Zaidi & Jane Borges has thrown some lights on the lives of Mafia queens of of Mumbai. Though there are numerous books and movies on life of underworld dons, mafia queens who can / are running underworld are unknown to normal people.
In men's world underworld, it is very difficult to make and sustain a position for woman. The ladies like Jenabai, Ashraf, Mahalakshmi Papamani made Mumbai's don under their control. Even dons like Dawood, Karim lala respected these ladies and their suggestions.
Lady like Ganga tai who also handle social work in red light area despite being a prostitute. She converted traditional brothels and applied management & commercial view; and converted views of sex workers.
Asha Gauli and Neeta Naik have done remarkable work and from being gangster they went in politics.
There is a side of underworld which normal people don't know. This book has shown that in very smooth way with cinematic view in front of readers eye. Each and every story is different and amazing.
In men's world underworld, it is very difficult to make and sustain a position for woman. The ladies like Jenabai, Ashraf, Mahalakshmi Papamani made Mumbai's don under their control. Even dons like Dawood, Karim lala respected these ladies and their suggestions.
Lady like Ganga tai who also handle social work in red light area despite being a prostitute. She converted traditional brothels and applied management & commercial view; and converted views of sex workers.
Asha Gauli and Neeta Naik have done remarkable work and from being gangster they went in politics.
There is a side of underworld which normal people don't know. This book has shown that in very smooth way with cinematic view in front of readers eye. Each and every story is different and amazing.
May 28, 2022
“As journalists the first lesson we learnt was not to sit on judgment but raise questions.”
Sigh! How journalism has changed. Am a fan of Zaidi. Loved 'Dongri to Dubai' and loved this book too. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Every woman described in the book started the gangster life for revenge or to make ends meet or to simply protect her own. A collection of short stories about the famous Mafia queens is a short and intriguing read. The author hasn't glamourised the crime queens. It also shows the price they paid for going against the law and also against other mafioso men. To think that a woman dared to stand in the world mostly owned by men is refreshing. A book for all true crime fans.
Sigh! How journalism has changed. Am a fan of Zaidi. Loved 'Dongri to Dubai' and loved this book too. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Every woman described in the book started the gangster life for revenge or to make ends meet or to simply protect her own. A collection of short stories about the famous Mafia queens is a short and intriguing read. The author hasn't glamourised the crime queens. It also shows the price they paid for going against the law and also against other mafioso men. To think that a woman dared to stand in the world mostly owned by men is refreshing. A book for all true crime fans.
April 21, 2012
Women are amazing indeed. The book throws light on some prominent women in the world of tuffest men..the Underworld! Captivating read. Fascinating to no extent. Realized that for some women..security, society, men and family are not everything. Hussain Zaidi did a wonderful job of penning down somethong that's not spoken out loud. Visualizing all that was written in the book excited me... then I thought how would those women have lead the world..facing and living everything that was written?
A tip to readers : Read the book in one go, if possible. Also, take your time and dont hurry..relish and enjoy every word of the book. Reading such books is a treat that you should never avoid.
A tip to readers : Read the book in one go, if possible. Also, take your time and dont hurry..relish and enjoy every word of the book. Reading such books is a treat that you should never avoid.
January 20, 2019
The best part about this book is that it does not try to form an opinion. This is a pure research based book that gives insights into many god mothers who established themselves in the world of crime mostly to make their ends meet! The only disappointment is the writing style. This is a book which definitely needs a strong editor!
August 2, 2021
Super informative and great!!
Tbh, I knew nothing about the Mumbai underworld until I read this book
I really really admire the confidence and wit of the Mafia queens in this book even though , they have done really bad crimes
Tbh, I knew nothing about the Mumbai underworld until I read this book
I really really admire the confidence and wit of the Mafia queens in this book even though , they have done really bad crimes
August 30, 2022
The stories are fascinating but the writing is horrible. Men should not be allowed to write about strong women.
July 21, 2018
The spoiler is in the last paragraph.
An enjoyable book. Strangely, most of the places named are not available on Google StreetView. Maybe it's the scary muggers & maybe I should just watch the films mentioned in this book. The players on this novel's stage lack the humility of Warren Fellow. Photos contained in the book are all in black & white, this lulled me into a placid, ignorant state of mind. The dates of convictions rudely ripped away this serenity, this is no catalogue of a past century but an up-to-date recording of facts.
After reading through this book, holding in mind 'From Dongri to Dubai', my preference would be for this book. It focuses on a more diverse net of criminals, the chapters read as vignettes united by a common town & common foe. Also, my inability to grasp the names & places wasn't a source of confusion, unlike the criminal intrigue sketched out in that other book. The section on the Tamil matriarch, & preceding liquor baron, has fired anew my curiosity about the structural role of a criminal coterie in a slum.
There is not an emphasis on morality of the individual nor of the society, some characters feel like villains, some feel like victims. One matriarch was vigilant against degradation of women. It seemed ironic to me, because I know very well she was exploiting women through pimping / pandering but she spoke to lead change to the generative factors of serious problems. Using a facade of love to abscond with, then sell a naive, rural, young lady into sexual slavery is a criminal act deserving of a harsher punishment than prison can legally provide. Trying to evict the victim is a cruelty not a cure. Regulation not criminalisation!
An enjoyable book. Strangely, most of the places named are not available on Google StreetView. Maybe it's the scary muggers & maybe I should just watch the films mentioned in this book. The players on this novel's stage lack the humility of Warren Fellow. Photos contained in the book are all in black & white, this lulled me into a placid, ignorant state of mind. The dates of convictions rudely ripped away this serenity, this is no catalogue of a past century but an up-to-date recording of facts.
After reading through this book, holding in mind 'From Dongri to Dubai', my preference would be for this book. It focuses on a more diverse net of criminals, the chapters read as vignettes united by a common town & common foe. Also, my inability to grasp the names & places wasn't a source of confusion, unlike the criminal intrigue sketched out in that other book. The section on the Tamil matriarch, & preceding liquor baron, has fired anew my curiosity about the structural role of a criminal coterie in a slum.
There is not an emphasis on morality of the individual nor of the society, some characters feel like villains, some feel like victims. One matriarch was vigilant against degradation of women. It seemed ironic to me, because I know very well she was exploiting women through pimping / pandering but she spoke to lead change to the generative factors of serious problems. Using a facade of love to abscond with, then sell a naive, rural, young lady into sexual slavery is a criminal act deserving of a harsher punishment than prison can legally provide. Trying to evict the victim is a cruelty not a cure. Regulation not criminalisation!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2023
Really glad I read this. I can see that the author really tried to combine what he could find. Also really appreciate that author only included information that was confirmed by multiple sources and left out conflicting parts. I would definitely recommend it but I would say don't expect too much going into it.
Now the things I didn't like lol. The book is stories of 13 women involved in Mumbai Mafia scene. It kind of went downhill after like first four stories or so.
I really mainly have problem with the way the author decided to write this. The stories have good potential, but in the effort to add dramatic flare to these stories, he reduces these women to this femme fatale characters, that is just disappointing. Like, no i don't really need to know how tight her clothes were or how her hair fell perfectly and how beautiful she was.
I would have preferred it to be more like a report to be honest. It's biographies searched and hunted by a journalist, I wanted it to sound like one. The material doesn't need to be forced into this fictional 2D characters.
It's also a shame to put so many women and their stories in like 300 pages. The stories just kept getting shorter and shorter. I would have like to see, more detailed research on these women even if only 4 ended up in the book.
Also, the book only highlights the good/sympathizing parts of these women, which makes them into this main character mold where you root for them and I would've liked to see the bad side of it. It is mafia, I don't know why these women's dark sides were just glossed over.
Now the things I didn't like lol. The book is stories of 13 women involved in Mumbai Mafia scene. It kind of went downhill after like first four stories or so.
I really mainly have problem with the way the author decided to write this. The stories have good potential, but in the effort to add dramatic flare to these stories, he reduces these women to this femme fatale characters, that is just disappointing. Like, no i don't really need to know how tight her clothes were or how her hair fell perfectly and how beautiful she was.
I would have preferred it to be more like a report to be honest. It's biographies searched and hunted by a journalist, I wanted it to sound like one. The material doesn't need to be forced into this fictional 2D characters.
It's also a shame to put so many women and their stories in like 300 pages. The stories just kept getting shorter and shorter. I would have like to see, more detailed research on these women even if only 4 ended up in the book.
Also, the book only highlights the good/sympathizing parts of these women, which makes them into this main character mold where you root for them and I would've liked to see the bad side of it. It is mafia, I don't know why these women's dark sides were just glossed over.
April 30, 2021
What a book. I guess I'm a bit late to the party but I'm glad that I did listen to this audiobook.
The book is filled with real life fascinating characters. All of them as notorious or famous as their male counterparts but never hogging the limelight as men. Some of them close confidants, lovers, Wife, partners and even a bar dancer. These women have proved that their gender never stopped them from achieving what they wanted to achieve.
We learn about a woman who was murdered by her own husband, Ashwin. He was jealous of her growing clout and alleged affair with another man. We learn about how a small time bar dancer was involved in cricketing bets and earning millions. We also learn about Mandira Bedi, the alleged love interest of Drug Lord Abu Salem. A lot more of such stories.
It's tough to remember all of their names but you will never forget about what they did in a segment dominated by men. The most fascinating story I read about was Ashraf/Sapna Didi, a women whose single minded focus came close to kill the dreaded underworld Don Dawood. Mahalakshmi Papamani, close confidant of Varadaraj Mudaliyar was another fascinating character and to think that she is still alive is a statement to her grit and determination.
I guess I may have to revisit this book sometimes in the future to learn once more about these women and their exploits in the underworld.
The book is filled with real life fascinating characters. All of them as notorious or famous as their male counterparts but never hogging the limelight as men. Some of them close confidants, lovers, Wife, partners and even a bar dancer. These women have proved that their gender never stopped them from achieving what they wanted to achieve.
We learn about a woman who was murdered by her own husband, Ashwin. He was jealous of her growing clout and alleged affair with another man. We learn about how a small time bar dancer was involved in cricketing bets and earning millions. We also learn about Mandira Bedi, the alleged love interest of Drug Lord Abu Salem. A lot more of such stories.
It's tough to remember all of their names but you will never forget about what they did in a segment dominated by men. The most fascinating story I read about was Ashraf/Sapna Didi, a women whose single minded focus came close to kill the dreaded underworld Don Dawood. Mahalakshmi Papamani, close confidant of Varadaraj Mudaliyar was another fascinating character and to think that she is still alive is a statement to her grit and determination.
I guess I may have to revisit this book sometimes in the future to learn once more about these women and their exploits in the underworld.
February 2, 2022
It was my first read by S.Hussain Zaidi and I have become his die-hard fan. What a classic book that talked a lot about the true stories of women gangsters in the financial capital of India- Mumbai.
I personally felt so much empathy towards Monica Bedi for falling in love with Aby Salem and how her journey of changing religions got her closer to God.
I felt a lot about Gangubai too--without any fault of her own what kind of profession she got and the life she led. I truly feel like killing her husband if he is alive at all.
My heart goes to every woman who got betrayed by their loved ones and dragged to the prostitution business. You deserved a life of your own no matter what.
I am not stopping yet as this book has made my mind inclined towards reading crime stories and I am going to pick more of his book.
I personally felt so much empathy towards Monica Bedi for falling in love with Aby Salem and how her journey of changing religions got her closer to God.
I felt a lot about Gangubai too--without any fault of her own what kind of profession she got and the life she led. I truly feel like killing her husband if he is alive at all.
My heart goes to every woman who got betrayed by their loved ones and dragged to the prostitution business. You deserved a life of your own no matter what.
I am not stopping yet as this book has made my mind inclined towards reading crime stories and I am going to pick more of his book.
February 11, 2022
This book aims to comprehend the complex minds and psyches of the famously well known female criminals of the India. It should be noted that this book is not intended to glorify them in any way. The author explains how these crimes they committed was not just a way for these women to escape their poverty and limits, but also a life-saving idea. It should be noted that none came from under any male dominants, they created history in their own terms which was fascinating and devastating to read at the same time.
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