On Saturday, the bustling streets of Mumbai were shaken by the tragic news of Baba Siddique's murder, a prominent figure in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction led by Ajit Pawar. Siddique's long-standing association with the Congress party and his influential role in the local political landscape rendered him a well-known figure beyond the confines of politics. He was particularly renowned for his close ties with Bollywood, establishing friendships with numerous film stars and earning their respect and admiration.
The shocking circumstances surrounding Siddique's death have left the Bollywood community in profound mourning. Many celebrities have taken to social media to express their sorrow and to call for justice for this heinous crime. Actor Riteish Deshmukh, widely recognized for his contributions to both Hindi and Marathi cinema, articulated his grief on X (formerly Twitter). He stated, "Extremely saddened and shocked beyond words by the loss of Shri #BabaSiddique ji. My heartfelt condolences to @zeeshan_iyc and the entire family. May God give them strength in this difficult time. Those responsible for this heinous crime must be brought to justice."
The reverberations of this tragic news extended beyond social media, prompting several stars, including Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt, and Shilpa Shetty, to rush to the hospital to lend their support to Siddique's family during this harrowing time. Deshmukh further reflected on the tragedy in another post, expressing his deep sadness and calling for justice for Siddique's family. He stated, "I am deeply saddened and in shock over the tragic passing of Shri #BabaSiddique ji. My thoughts are with @zeeshan_iyc and his family. May they find the strength to endure this hardship. The culprits of this dreadful crime must face justice."
The emotional response from the film industry was palpable, with actress Mahhi Vij sharing a heartfelt tribute. She wrote, "We will always remember you. It’s hard to believe that the one who protected and cared for us is no longer here. 'Where’s Tara? Oh, my dear Tara.' Those words will never be heard again. Baba was the kindest soul. We always felt so safe with him. I don’t know how we’ll cope now. Tears won’t stop falling." Such sentiments reflect the deep impact Siddique had on those around him, both personally and professionally.
Initial reports surrounding the murder indicate that three individuals are suspected of being involved in this tragic incident. The Mumbai police have made swift progress in their investigation, arresting two suspects on Saturday night. The attack transpired as Siddique was leaving his office, where he was ambushed by the assailants. He sustained gunshot wounds to his chest and abdomen and was immediately rushed to the hospital; however, despite the efforts of medical personnel, he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Baba Siddique's stature in Bollywood circles was undeniable. His political career was marked by multiple elections as an MLA from Mumbai, where he built a reputation for his dedication to public service. Simultaneously, he cultivated an active presence in the film industry, forming close bonds with superstars such as Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan. One of his most cherished contributions was hosting an annual Iftar party during Ramadan, a prestigious event that attracted numerous celebrities. Notably, during one of these gatherings, he played a pivotal role in mediating the long-standing feud between Salman and Shah Rukh, facilitating a moment of reconciliation that saw the two actors exchange greetings and embrace each other.
