When This Bollywood Legend Spent Hours Chatting with Dawood Ibrahim

Bollywood and the underworld have often had shadowy overlaps, especially during the 1980s and 90s. One such unexpected story comes straight from the autobiography of legendary actor Rishi Kapoor, who candidly revealed his encounter with underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.

In his memoir, Rishi Kapoor mentioned that he met Dawood not once, but twice—first in 1988 and again in 1989, both times in Dubai. What began as a brief interaction turned into a four-hour-long meeting filled with conversation, tea, and revelations.

Dawood’s Favorite Bollywood Stars

During their second meeting, Dawood Ibrahim opened up about his admiration for several iconic Bollywood actors. According to Rishi, Dawood had a deep appreciation for the Kapoor family, particularly Raj Kapoor. He also expressed fondness for classic actors like Dilip Kumar, Mehmood, and Mukri—legends who shaped Indian cinema during its golden age.

Rishi Kapoor himself was on Dawood’s list of favorites. In fact, Dawood specifically told him how much he enjoyed his work and acting style.

The Special Connection with Tawaif

Among all of Rishi Kapoor’s films, one stood out in Dawood’s memory: Tawaif (1985). The don reportedly called it his favorite. Interestingly, the lead character in that film, played by Rishi, was also named “Dawood.” This curious coincidence is said to have made the film particularly close to the underworld figure’s heart.

Rishi described the interaction as surreal. Despite the serious undertones of meeting a figure like Dawood, the tone of their conversation remained relaxed and filled with nostalgia for classic Hindi cinema.

A Glimpse into a Hidden Chapter

Though brief, Rishi Kapoor’s recollection offers a rare glimpse into the under-the-radar interactions that Bollywood personalities had with powerful figures outside the industry. While many such stories remain untold or cloaked in mystery, this one stands out—both for its honesty and its connection to cinematic history.