Byculla To Bangkok by Hussain Zaidi - Paperback

got the book in good condition. excellent read

Well informed and detailed oriented

S. Husain Zaidi's Byculla to Bangkok is a sequel to Dongri to Dubai. D to D revolves around early years of Mumabi underworld. While B to B is story of marathi mafia in the city. This book tells us stories of 3 major dons. Arun Gavli, Naik brothers and Chhota Rajan. It is quite interesting to know how all three dons started their career and become dons. Arun Gavli was a mill worker, Arun Naik was a vegetable vendor and Chota Rajan used to sell black tickets outside Sahakar cinema.This book catch your attention from the beginning. Zaidi's interview with Arun Gavali in Harsool jail is quite interesting to read. This interview force readers to read the book further. This is not only story of the underworld but this book also throws light on the nexus between politician and cops. This books tells us in what circumstances one become a criminal. It is wonderful commentary on that period too.Zaidi is a powerful story teller. Every chapter is like a complete story in itself. Chapter by chapter Zaidi unfolds story of Mumbai mafia.Dons are very complicated to understand. But Zaidi tell us their stories in simplest way possible and it gives glimpse of shade of their characters. If anyone who is really interested in the subject should go for it. If you want to read this book, then make sure you have read Dongri to Dubai. If you have read Dongri to Dubai then what are you doing here just grab your copy and enjoy reading it.

Very Well written Book, Which explains the circumstances that pushed the Young Generation to fall Into Mafia Fiefdom. Zaidi has taken a lot of pain in explaining and stitching together lot of circumstances that happened over a time of 3 decades. The book for fans of Dongri ToDubai!!!

I read it after Dubai to Dongri,It was an amazing read .The story of Amar Naik and Ashwin Naik , politician turned don Gawli's story and the story of Sautya particularly fascinated me but at the same time it delves you into oblivion that why an electronic engineer in early 80's,a shakti mills worker chose the path that lead to nowhere.Hats off to Zaidi's research work and his knowledge ,every time he hits the bulls eye,on underworld of Mumbai he has been a master narrator of the history .3 years ago I read Maximum City by Sukhetu Mehta ,it was fine but when it comes to underworld Zaidi has surely an upper hand,reading Mafia Queens of Mumbai these days it's interesting too.

I am giving it four stars because this can stand on its own footing as a great book to read. However it is also true that this pales and dilutes if compared to Dongri to Dubai. I understand that comparisons are harsh but they are imminent nonetheless.The writing is pacy and there are numerous instances where you can't leave the book. The book focuses on how lives of gangsters other than Dawood Ibrahim panned out and it is riveting. At places it starts and ends abruptly and sometimes it becomes difficult to join the dots.All in all this is definitely a recommended pick up.