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Matka King: Real-Life Gangsters Inspire Web Series Characters
24 Apr
Summary
- The web series Matka King explores the rise of Brij Bhatti, the creator of the 'Matka' gambling game.
- Characters in Matka King are reportedly inspired by real-life figures like Ratan Khatri and Dawood Ibrahim.
- Cyrus Sahukar's character, Maqsood, appears to be modeled after the classic actor Mehmood.

The recently released period drama 'Matka King' on Amazon Prime Video has quickly garnered attention for its compelling storyline and performances. The series delves into the life of Brij Bhatti, a man who created the popular gambling game known as 'Matka,' offering a chance for significant winnings to the less fortunate.
Brij Bhatti's journey introduces him to Gulrukh, a wealthy widow who helps popularize 'Matka' among the elite. Through Gulrukh, Brij meets Maqsood, a flamboyant film star portrayed by Cyrus Sahukar, whose character bears a striking resemblance to the iconic actor Mehmood, evident in his signature mustache.
Viewers have noted inspirations for the characters from real-life personalities. The lead protagonist, Brij Bhatti, is widely speculated to be based on the notorious gambling kingpin Ratan Khatri. Furthermore, Viineet Kumar Siingh's cameo as gangster Darab Ahmed Wadkar is believed to be inspired by fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim.
A pivotal scene depicts Brij Bhatti's disappointment at a film premiere, where his contributions are overlooked. This moment, coupled with the series' exploration of ambition and betrayal, adds depth to the narrative of 'Matka King.' The series achieved significant viewership, ranking as Prime Video's most-watched new series in two years and topping charts in 17 countries.