Bollywood of the 80s and 90s was as notorious for its films as it was for its underworld connections. At that time the industry was under a shadow of something more sinister than cinema. The influence of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim was so great that not only were films made at his behest but the fates of actresses were also decided by his whim. During that era a name rapidly emerged: Anita Ayoob. This Pakistani-born actress quickly became a household name in the industry but her name soon became linked to Dawood Ibrahim and what followed would destroy both her career and life. Journey from Karachi to Mumbai Anita Ayoob was born in Karachi Pakistan. Intelligent confident and strikingly beautiful Anita earned a Masters in English Literature and then moved to India to pursue her acting dreams. After training at Roshan Tanejas acting school in Mumbai she began her career as a model. Her luck shone when Dev Anand launched her in his film Pyar Ka Tarana (1993). She then starred in the 1995 film Gangster which was a moderate success. Dawood Ibrahim’s Name and Career Eclipse While her career was gaining momentum Anitas name began to be linked to Dawood Ibrahim. It was said that Dawood was so enamored of Anita that he began pressuring producers to cast her in films. When producer Javed Siddiqui refused to cast Anita in a film he was shot dead. Suspicion pointed directly at Dawood and his associates and Anita also came under scrutiny. Although no evidence was found against her her name became embroiled in controversy and the film industry distanced itself from her. Accused of Being a Pakistani Spy Meanwhile a Pakistani fashion magazine claimed that Anita was suspected in Bollywood of being a Pakistani spy. This news added fuel to the fire and without any official announcement Anita Ayoob was ousted from the industry. Anonymity and New Life After a career-destroying and ever-increasing controversy Anita left India and returned to Pakistan. She later married Saumil Patel an Indian Gujarati businessman and settled in New York. They had a son Shezar. However this relationship didnt last long and Anita later married Pakistani businessman Subak Majeed. Today Anita Ayoob lives a life of complete anonymity with no interviews no social media appearances and no public appearances. She has also completely stopped visiting India.