From Selling Juice in Dariyaganj to the ‘Cassette King’ – He Battled an Underworld Don and Lost His Life – What a Bollywood Plot!

Oh, the glamorous yet gritty world of Bollywood! Today, we delve into the life and legacy of the man who revolutionized India’s music industry, only to meet a tragic end in the same city that crowned him. Let’s talk about the legendary Gulshan Kumar.

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Mumbai: The City of Dreams Turned Nightmare for Gulshan Kumar 🎬

Once upon a time in the bustling streets of Mumbai, a man named Gulshan Kumar rose to fame, only to meet a tragic fate. On August 12, 1997, the music industry lost its uncrowned king in broad daylight. Born on May 5, 1951, in Delhi to a Punjabi Hindu family, Gulshan Kumar’s journey was a rags-to-riches saga. From selling juice in the lanes of Daryaganj, he climbed the ladder of success with sheer grit and determination.

The Game Changer: From Juice Seller to Music Mogul 🍹🎵

Gulshan’s father, Chandrabhan, started a cassette-selling business, which became the turning point in Gulshan’s life. And thus began the unparalleled success story of T-Series. When Gulshan Kumar arrived in Mumbai, Lady Luck smiled upon him, bringing both fortune and transformation.

Directorial Debut: ‘Bewafa Sanam’

Gulshan Kumar wasn’t just a producer; he dabbled in directing too. He produced over 15 films, including the iconic ‘Bewafa Sanam’ which he also directed. His first produced film, ‘Lal Dupatta Malmal Ka’ (1989), laid the foundation, but it was ‘Aashiqui’ (1990) that catapulted T-Series to national fame. The film’s songs sold millions of cassettes overnight and shattered box-office records. Gulshan Kumar was not just an excellent producer but also a gentleman, known for his respectful and humble demeanor.

Gulshan Kumar was tragically murdered on August 12, 1997.

A Devout Man with a Generous Heart 🙏❤️

Despite his enormous success, Gulshan Kumar remained unpretentious. A devout worshipper of Goddess Durga and Lord Shiva, he donated a portion of his earnings to religious and charitable causes. By 1993, he had become one of the highest taxpayers in India but also attracted unwanted attention from the underworld.

The Dark Plot: Abu Salem and the Demand for Money 💸🔫

Enter the underworld don, Abu Salem, who demanded INR 5 lakh from Gulshan Kumar. When Gulshan refused, Salem’s rage knew no bounds, and he plotted his assassination. On August 12, 1997, while returning from his daily visit to the Mahadev Temple in Mumbai’s Jeet Nagar, Gulshan Kumar was ambushed by Salem’s shooter, Raja. It’s said that Raja kept his phone on for 15 minutes during the murder so the underworld don could hear Gulshan’s final moments.

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Nisha’s Nutshell:

Bollywood, where dreams come true and nightmares are just a plot twist away! Moral of the story? In the land of glitz and glamour, always watch your back—especially when the underworld comes knocking!

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Tags: Gulshan Kumar, Bollywood, T-Series, Mumbai, Underworld, Abu Salem, Aashiqui, Bewafa Sanam, Music Industry, Bollywood History

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First Published: August 12, 2024, 21:29 IST

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And there you have it, darlings! Even the brightest stars can’t outshine the shadows lurking in the alleys of Bollywood. Keep your eyes peeled and your gossip juicy! 🍿