Don't Miss: Top 15 Gangster Films

Over the years, stories of criminals, gangsters and their vamps have fascinated Bollywood. And time and again filmmakers here have taken up these subjects, passionately exploring the mysterious lives of the men and women who live on the wrong side of the law. We bring you 15 such films that have drawn their inspiration from real life dons.

Deewar

This superhit film of the '70s told the story of a dockworker (played by Amitabh) who goes on to become a dreaded underworld don. A known fact perhaps but Deewar is said to be based on the life of Haji Mastan, the legendary Mumbai underworld don. Insiders even insist that Bachchan went to meet Mastan to study his mannerisms.

Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Shashi Kapoor, Nirupa Roy, Neetu Singh and Parveen Babi

READ: Boy who impressed Shashi Kapoor

Dharmatma

Produced and directed by Feroz Khan, Dharmatma was inspired by the Hollywood blockbuster The Godfather. The real-life anti-hero in this case was Ratan Khatri, a big time gambling kingpin. Just like Bachchan, Feroz Khan, too, apparently spent time with Khatri, understanding the nuances of 'matka', the form of Indian gambling he practiced. But it was Premnath played the title role.

Cast: Feroz Khan, Rekha, Hema Malini, Premnath, Danny Denzongpa, Farida Jalal, Ranjeet, Helen, Madan Puri, Iftekhar and Dara Singh

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