Exploring the Real-Life Inspirations Behind 'Matka King' on Prime Video
Did Matka King bring Ratan Khatri's ties with real Bollywood star to life? How Vijay Varma show blends fact with fiction
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
The Prime Video series 'Matka King' has become the most-watched Indian show on the platform, drawing inspiration from the life of gambling baron Ratan Khatri. The protagonist, Brij Bhatti, navigates the world of Bollywood, reflecting Khatri's real-life connections to the film industry during Mumbai's transformation from Bombay.
- 01'Matka King' is Prime Video's most-watched Indian show in two years.
- 02The show is inspired by the real-life gambling baron Ratan Khatri.
- 03Brij Bhatti, the protagonist, mirrors Khatri's foray into Bollywood.
- 04The character Maqsood is based on the comedy legend Mehmood.
- 05Khatri's brief career as a film producer included the unsuccessful film 'Rangila Ratan'.
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'Matka King', the latest series from Prime Video, has achieved remarkable success, becoming the platform's most-watched Indian show in two years. The series follows Brij Bhatti, a character inspired by real-life gambling mogul Ratan Khatri, whose life in Mumbai during the 60s and 70s is intertwined with the film industry. The show dramatizes Khatri's experiences, including his investments in films and interactions with Bollywood stars. Notably, the character Maqsood, portrayed by Cyrus Sahukar, is said to be based on the iconic comedy actor Mehmood, who was known for his roles in mid-budget films financed by Khatri. However, while the show depicts a fallout between Brij and Maqsood, sources indicate that this aspect is fictionalized for dramatic purposes. Khatri's actual venture into film production was limited to a single project, 'Rangila Ratan', which was not a commercial success and discouraged him from further involvement in the industry. Directed by Nagraj Manjule, 'Matka King' features a talented cast, including Vijay Varma and Kritika Kamra, and has captivated audiences with its blend of fact and fiction.
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