Manohar Arjun Surve (1944 – 1982), better known as Manya Surve, went down in the country’s history books as an infamous gangster in the Mumbai Underworld , who died in 1982, in Mumbai’s first recorded encounter killing.

However, Surve has now found space on the silver screen even as the  prequel to the film Shootout at Lokhandwala, titled Shootout at Wadala, is being shot. Directed by Sanjay Gupta, the gangster entertainer stars John Abraham (left) as he essays the role of the notorious Manya Surve.

With an effort to keep the look of the gangster as real as possible, his personal tailor, Baba Baboish has been roped in. Baba has helped to shape the star’s look in the film. Confirms director Sanjay Gupta , Baba still has his shop at Shivaji Park and Mahesh Manjrekar who is a common friend introduced us. His inputs went a long way in giving John the look that he has in the film. I told John that he would have to wear Kolhapuri chappals, have a tika on his forehead and even put oil in his hair. John Abraham went all out to get under the skin of his character and transform into the deadly Manya Surve. Says John , My reference point was a passport picture we managed to get and I also visited the places he used to frequent.