Anil Kapoor and John Abraham (photo | Kartik Rathod for MissMalini.com)
Anil Kapoor and John Abraham (photo | Kartik Rathod for MissMalini.com)

Husain Zaidi‘s Dongri to Dubai chronicles the history of the Mumbai mafia, and touches on the lives of Manya Surve, Chhota Rajan, Dawood Ibrahim etc. The forthcoming Bollywood film Shootout at Wadala is based on this story, so director Sanjay Gupta and actors John Abraham and Anil Kapoor came out to launch the book. Check out some exclusive pictures and videos from this event.

Dongri to Dubai book launch (photo | Kartik Rathod for MissMalini.com)
Husain Zaidi (photo | Kartik Rathod for MissMalini.com)
Dongri to Dubai book launch (photo | Kartik Rathod for MissMalini.com)
Dongri to Dubai book launch (photo | Kartik Rathod for MissMalini.com)
Dongri to Dubai book launch (photo | Kartik Rathod for MissMalini.com)
Dongri to Dubai book launch (photo | Kartik Rathod for MissMalini.com)

One of the most interesting things John said during the event is that he thinks it’s time we move away from star-driven films and onto content-driven films. You can see he did just that with his debut outing as a producer (Vicky Donor) and received great results, so full marks to him.

John Abraham (photo | Kartik Rathod for MissMalini.com)
John Abraham (photo | Kartik Rathod for MissMalini.com)

John also commented that this is the first time he has, in the true sense, done an author-backed role – and he claims the best part about Shootout at Wadala is that it doesn’t try to glamorize the story; it maintains the grit and stays true to reality.

Anil Kapoor (photo | Kartik Rathod for MissMalini.com)
Anil Kapoor (photo | Kartik Rathod for MissMalini.com)

Anil Kapoor also spoke of his character as ACP Isaque Bagwan, and said that in his case he was lucky, because the person he’s playing on screen is actually still alive so he always called him for advice.

Jai Hind professor (photo | Kartik Rathod for MissMalini.com)
Jai Hind professor (photo | Kartik Rathod for MissMalini.com)

One of the cutest moments at the launch was when a lady raised her hand and said she’d like to congratulate John for the success of Vicky Donor, on behalf of Jai Hind college (where he studied). After the launch, I heard the two talking and she told him the college wanted to send him a message officially congratulating him, and he very sweetly told her that he’ll come to the college and asked her if she was still teaching there. So all you Jai Hind folk, watch out, John Abraham may pop in soon! 😉

John Abraham (photo | Kartik Rathod for MissMalini.com)
John Abraham (photo | Kartik Rathod for MissMalini.com)

Personally, I find the Mumbai Mafia terribly interesting, so I’m definitely looking forward to both reading the book and watching the movie! What about you? You can pick up the book now, but you’ll have to wait for 2013 for the movie!

Dongri to Dubai book launch (photo | Kartik Rathod for MissMalini.com)
Dongri to Dubai book launch (photo | Kartik Rathod for MissMalini.com)

Also spotted at the event was author Chetan Bhagat:

John Abraham and Chetan Bhagat (photo | Kartik Rathod for MissMalini.com)
John Abraham and Chetan Bhagat (photo | Kartik Rathod for MissMalini.com)