MUMBAI: Karachi-based don Chhota Shakeel had planned to eliminate superstar Hrithik Roshan as far back as November 2000, according to the transcript of an alleged telephone conversation between Shakeel and several Bollywood personalities which was submitted by the Mumbai police to a special court here.

The tape of the alleged conversation between Shakeel and actor Sanjay Dutt, film director Mahesh Manjrekar, and producers Harish Sughand and Sanjay Gupta was played in the special court of judge A.P. Bhangale who is hearing the case of film financier Bharat Shah, accused of links with the underworld under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

The police say that several film personalities are in regular touch with Shakeel and leak information to him on Bollywood activities. The alleged conversation was taped by the police on November 14, 2000, at about 10.36 p.m. from Duttâ€™s cellphone. The actor had stopped over at Hotel Taj in Nashik before visiting the Shirdi temple. The tapes have only now been produced before the court because of Shahâ€™s ongoing trial. Shah was arrested on January 8, 2001, for his alleged links with Shakeel.

The trial was delayed, among other things, because the producer-financier moved the courts for bail on several occasions. He was finally granted bail by the supreme court earlier this year. Shah has also been accused of taking Shakeelâ€™s help to produce the film â€˜Chori Chori Chupke Chupkeâ€™.

On detailed reading, the transcripts reveal that Mahesh Manjrekar offered to make a film on the life of Chhota Shakeel on the recommendation of Sanjay Dutt. Shakeel welcomed the move, and said he would fully cooperate in the venture.

The conversation further reveals the donâ€™s persistent questioning on new Bollywood film releases as well as the market response to them. The most startling part of the conversation, however, involves actor Hrithik Roshan (referred to as Chikna), and gives clues to the manner in which the underworld calls the shots in Bollywood. Voice: (laughs) Bhai, should I say something?

Shakeel: Yes. Voice: Itâ€™s about that Chikna. Shakeel: Yes, yes. Voice: He called up (a heroine) and abused and threatened her.What is this, Bhai? Shakeel: Hmm. Voice: You think about this, Bhai. Shakeel: He wonâ€™t be around for too many days now. Voice: Okay. Shakeel: Do you understand what I am saying?

Voice: Yes. Shakeel: Just pray for this,we are on the job. Voice: Yes.. Shakeel: It would have been good news if he had come to meet you.