Who Is Chhota Rajan? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on January 13, 1957, Chhota Rajan, whose real name is Rajendra Sadashiv Nikalje, is currently 68 years old. He hails from a humble background in the Mumbai suburb of Dadar. Known for his association with organized crime in India during the late 20th century, he became a notorious figure in the criminal underworld. His life has been marked by violent confrontations and a rivalry with other gangs, particularly with Dawood Ibrahim’s gang, making him a central figure in many crime-related narratives.
| Occupation | Film Producer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 13, 1957 |
| Age | 68 Years |
| Birth Place | Chembur, Bombay, Bombay State, India (present-day Mumbai, Maharashtra) |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | India |
Popularity
Chhota Rajan's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Chhota Rajan possesses a commanding presence. Although specific measurements may not be publicly available, it is reported that he stands approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall (168 cm) and weighs around 70 kg (154 lbs). His robust physique and demeanor have often played a significant role in his intimidating personality.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Chhota Rajan is married to his long-time partner, who has remained out of the public eye for safety reasons. The couple has two children. While there are no public records of his dating life outside of marriage, it is known that his family has faced challenges due to his criminal activities and the associated danger.
While living in Tilak Nagar, a big colony for the low-income group near Chembur, Mumbai, Rajan started as a petty black marketeer of cinema tickets at Sahakar Cinema in Tilak Nagar. In 1979, he and his gang were imprisoned for assaulting police constables. After being released from jail, he joined the Bada Rajan gang in 1980.
After Bada Rajan was shot dead, Chhota Rajan sought refuge under Dawood Ibrahim and started controlling the gang's activities in Tilak Nagar, Ghatkopar and Chembur areas in east Mumbai. During the eightees, especially after Dawood Ibrahim fled from Mumbai to Dubai, Rajan gradually rose to be his right-hand man in Mumbai.
As a part of a gang war between Dawood and Arun Gawli, in 1988, Rajan and his men were involved in the murder of another gang leader Ashok Joshi from Vikhroli who was a mentor to Arun Gawli. Fearing that Gawli may take revenge, he escaped to Dubai in 1988 and never returned. In 1993, Rajan and his close aides split from Dawood.
Rajan escaped from Dubai and formed an independent gang that frequently clashed with Dawood's D-Company. He is wanted for many criminal cases that include extortion, murder, smuggling and drug trafficking. He is also wanted in 70 murder cases and several more attempted murders.
Rajan's social organization, "Sahyadri Krida Mandal", which organizes the Ganesh Utsav in Tilaknagar, has been his home base. Rajan's wife and two daughters continue to live in Tilak Nagar. Rajan was arrested in Bali by Indonesian police on 25 October 2015.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Chhota Rajan's estimated net worth is around $10 million. This wealth has primarily stemmed from his criminal enterprises, including extortion, smuggling, and real estate investments. His legal troubles and subsequent incarceration have impacted his earnings, yet he has managed to retain a significant amount of wealth through various means.
Career, Business and Investments
Chhota Rajan started his career in the underworld in the late 1970s, quickly rising through the ranks. He was involved in various illegal activities, which included extortion and drug trafficking. Over the years, he managed a network of businesses that served as fronts for these activities.
After a period of exile, he attempted to enter legitimate business ventures. Despite facing numerous legal hurdles, Rajan has shown an uncanny ability to navigate the criminal justice system, which has allowed him to continue operating in some capacity.
He began his criminal career by committing petty crimes in Chembur. His mentor Bada Rajan introduced him to black marketing of cinema tickets at Sahakar cinema Ashok Theatre in the 1980s. His mentors were Bada Rajan and Yadagiri of Hyderabad under whom he learned the tricks of the trade.
Once Bada Rajan was killed, Nikalje received the throne and the title—Chhota Rajan. For a short period, Dawood Ibrahim, Rajan and Arun Gawli worked together. Then, Gawli's elder brother Papa Gawli was assassinated over a drug deal and a rift formed. He never returned. Following the 1993 Bombay bombings, Ibrahim and Rajan fell out.
There were even reports that Rajan tipped off the Research and Analysis Wing about Ibrahim's network.
Social Network
Although Chhota Rajan is not actively engaged on social media platforms due to his controversial background and ongoing legal issues, information about him often circulates through news outlets and crime documentaries. His story has been featured in various media formats, exploring his life and the impact he has had on organized crime in India.
Education
Details about Chhota Rajan's formal education are sparse; however, it is understood that he had a modest upbringing and likely did not pursue higher education, given his early involvement in crime. His street smarts and tactical mentality have contributed significantly to his survival and success in the underworld.
