This comprehensive biography explores the life and times of Karim Lala, a prominent figure in Mumbai’s underworld during the mid-20th century. From his humble beginnings to his rise as a powerful don, we delve into his career, relationships, and eventual demise.

Wiki/Biography

Karim Lala, born Abdul Karim Sher Khan in 1911 in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, reached the age of 91 at the time of his death. His family relocated to Mumbai, India, when he was nine, settling in the densely populated Bhendi Bazaar. He was fluent in Pashto and maintained strong ties to his Pashtun heritage throughout his life. His rise to infamy stemmed from a complex mix of criminal activity and surprising community engagement.

Family & Wife

Karim Lala hailed from a Pashto-speaking Pathan (Pashtun) family. Details about his family and his wife are limited in publicly available information. His family background significantly influenced his connections and rise within Mumbai’s underworld.

Transition From Abdul Karim Sher Khan to Karim Lala

Karim Lala’s career began as a dockworker in Bombay. He connected with other ethnic Pathans working as debt collectors for wealthy lenders. His imposing stature made him effective, and he eventually earned the moniker “Lala,” meaning elder brother in Pashto, reflecting his increasing influence within the group.

Smuggling of Diamonds and Jewels

Under the guise of a small, legitimate business, Lala secretly engaged in the lucrative smuggling of diamonds and gems from the Mumbai docks. By the 1940s, he controlled a significant portion of Bombay’s smuggling trade, expanding his operations into illegal liquor. This established his wealth and influence.

The First Mafia Don of Mumbai’s Underworld

Lala’s criminal activities extended beyond smuggling. He ran an illegal gambling den and led the “Pathan Gang,” known for contract killings, extortion, and forced evictions. He cleverly combined legitimate and illegitimate businesses, creating a vast network of influence and control. While Haji Mastan is often cited as Mumbai’s first don, many consider Lala to be the true pioneer, a view seemingly shared by Mastan himself.

Association with the Two ‘Mafias of Mumbai’

Lala formed alliances with other prominent figures in Bombay’s underworld, Haji Mastan and Varadarajan Mudaliar. In a strategic move during the 1970s, they divided Mumbai’s criminal territories amongst themselves, minimizing direct conflict. This demonstrates his shrewd political acumen.

The Weekly ‘Durbar’

Lala held a weekly “durbar,” a public gathering where he acted as an arbitrator resolving disputes. This unusual approach fostered a surprising level of popular support. His generosity towards the needy further solidified his influence among Mumbai’s diverse communities, transcending social and economic divides.

Rivalry With Dawood Ibrahim

Dawood Ibrahim’s rise challenged Lala’s dominance. Their rivalry escalated into violent gang warfare, marked by the murder of Shabbir Ibrahim (Dawood’s brother) by Lala’s gang and the subsequent killing of Rahim Khan (Lala’s brother) by Dawood’s D-Company. This bloody conflict significantly altered the dynamics of Mumbai’s underworld, resulting in the gradual decline of Lala’s influence. It’s even rumored that Lala once captured and severely beat Dawood, a story still whispered in Mumbai’s underworld.

Transfer of Leadership

Facing declining health in the late 1970s, Lala passed leadership of the Pathan gang to his nephew, Samad Khan. While he maintained friendships with Haji Mastan and Varadarajan, his attempts to mediate peace between his nephew and his rivals, the Ibrahim brothers, proved unsuccessful. In addition to his criminal enterprises, Lala also owned several legitimate businesses, including hotels and a travel agency.

Death

Karim Lala passed away on February 19, 2002, in Mumbai at the age of 90.

Facts/Trivia

Despite his wealth and power, Lala maintained a surprisingly simple lifestyle. He held significant sway over Mumbai’s Pashtun community through his leadership of “Pakhtun-e-Hind.” His connections extended to Bollywood celebrities and prominent political figures, particularly during the 1970s and 80s. He frequently hosted lavish parties for Bollywood stars. His life even inspired the character “Sher Khan” in the famous film “Zanjeer.” He’s known for mediating a dispute between actress Helen and a friend who had absconded with her money.

Key Figures in Mumbai’s Underworld