Baba Siddique: Man who patched up Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, an insider account

National Congress Party (NCP) leader and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique was shot and killed on October 12. The 66-year-old leader was known to reconcile differences and playing a crucial role in mending the relationship between superstars Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan.

In Short

• Baba Siddique played a key role in reuniting Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan
• His Iftar parties were a highly anticipated annual event
• Baba Siddique was killed on October 12

Indians, known to be film worshippers, got a moment to rejoice in the autumn of 2013 when Bollywood's biggest stars, Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, called it a truce. The two had gotten into a heated argument at Katrina Kaif's birthday bash in 2008, leading them to avoid each other for nearly five years. The man who brought the two together was Baba Siddique, who was gunned down by three assailants on Saturday night (October 12).

A veteran leader, Siddique served as an MLA from the Bandra West constituency for three consecutive terms and held the position of Minister of State for Food & Civil Supplies, Labour, and FDA. He was a close associate of actor-turned-politician Sunil Dutt, who helped him secure his first Congress ticket in 1999. However, this story is not about the politician but how he became a superhero for film lovers, and how his popularity advanced across borders, thanks to his star-studded annual Iftar parties.

At the fateful Iftar event in 2013, Siddique strategically seated Shah Rukh Khan next to Salman's father, Salim Khan, ensuring the two stars came face-to-face. The moment when Shah Rukh and Salman greeted and hugged each other was captured in a photo that quickly went viral, marking the beginning of the end of their long-standing beef.

After their reconciliation, Siddique downplayed his part as a peacemaker, saying, "They both wanted it. Allah shows the way. I had no role to play."

However, it was his humility that he did not want the credit for the same. Industry sources shared that it was Baba Siddique's perseverance and love for Salman-SRK that led him to get them back together. Many also feel that only Baba could have done it, given he had no ulterior or even business motives from the stars.

"Before the Iftar, he went to both their houses and spoke to them about calling it a truce. He told them how Eid is an occasion where one needs to let go of any malice and forgive each other. He has been close to Shah Rukh and Salman, and they both also have immense respect and love for him. It was just destined to happen through Baba, probably only because of the strong bond they share," a source told India Today.

Producer and Film Business Analyst, Girish Johar, also spoke exclusively to India Today and remembered the viral moment of the big reunion. He shared how the industry was most excited to see the most popular stars coming back together. He added how that has only reinforced the bond between Salman and Shah Rukh, and the chemistry is visible in all of their appearances ever since.

"They even came together to work in each other's films, which further solidified their friendship. At the end of the day, this is one fraternity and when two stars are not on talking terms, it's a matter of concern for everyone. The top talents, be it filmmakers, writers, or technicians, are working with both of them and are thus, directly or indirectly, associated. It was difficult for everyone during the rough patch, and when they finally came together, it was a sigh of relief for everyone. It was definitely one of the most celebrated and talked about moments in the industry, and otherwise too," Johar added.

The writer, who belongs to Kolkata, also fondly remembered how the moment became front-page news the next day. While the Khan reunion was talked about, Baba Siddique also started getting mentioned during conversations. From a Mumbai home-grown leader, he was suddenly the superhero bringing joy to the industry and film lovers.

Slowly and steadily, even in the eastern part of the country, his Iftar party was awaited. It became a yearly ritual for people on social media to see the who's of who of the entertainment industry coming together to celebrate with so much love. Baba Siddique and his son Zeeshan Siddique were also seen playing perfect hosts to their guests, feeding them, and getting clicked together. It was also a place where not just stars but even smaller actors and social media influencers were welcomed with equal love and respect.

In 2022, I had a chance to visit the much-talked-about Iftar party, and that gave my friends and family a topic to talk about for days. While otherwise they consider my job a regular one, it was for the first time that they were excited to know about the food, the celebrities, and even Baba Siddique (The former leader, I remember, humbly meeting every media person, checking on the arrangements). That's when it dawned that 'Baba Siddique Iftar Party' was no more just a celebratory evening, but it had become something of national relevance.

Girish Johar added that it showed the strength of unity and warmth within the industry. It brought everyone closer, irrespective of religion and political standing. "It was beyond everything, it was all about inclusivity. It was probably all about love," he added.

As superficial as it may sound, with him gone, there are already murmurs about the future of his Iftar party. Even with his son Zeeshan and family taking charge, it would never be the same again without Baba Siddique.