Madhukar Zende is a name synonymous with bravery and integrity in the Mumbai Police force. His career, spanning from 1959 to 1996, is marked by numerous achievements, but he is best known for capturing the notorious serial killer Charles Sobhraj, not just once, but twice. This real-life story has now inspired the Netflix film "Inspector Zende," starring Manoj Bajpayee in the titular role.

Zende's initial encounter with Sobhraj occurred in 1971. Acting on a tip about a planned robbery, Zende and his team staked out the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai. They apprehended Sobhraj, who was armed and in possession of hotel receipts that implicated his accomplices. This led to the recovery of a cache of weapons. However, Sobhraj escaped from prison, only to be caught again by Zende in 1986 in Goa.

The second arrest was equally dramatic. Zende and his team tracked Sobhraj through Goa, pretending to look for a missing brother with a specific motorbike. They eventually found him at a cafe. Knowing Sobhraj was armed, Zende swiftly apprehended him, and Sobhraj was transported back to Mumbai.

Zende's capture of Charles Sobhraj turned him into a national celebrity. He received both the Police Medal for Meritorious Service and the President's Medal for Distinguished Service. He met prominent figures like Rajiv Gandhi and Dilip Kumar, and was featured in advertisements. Lata Mangeshkar even invited him to her home to congratulate him.

Beyond the Sobhraj case, Zende's career included other significant achievements. He arrested Mumbai gangsters Haji Mastan and Karim Lala. He also played a crucial role in managing the communal riots in Mumbai following the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1993. Zende also worked undercover in Gujarat after a bomb was thrown at senior officer Julio Ribeiro.

In a recent interview, Zende described Sobhraj as a "rough fellow" who had no regard for the police. He recalled the first arrest, stating that Sobhraj had arrived in Mumbai with five men to commit a robbery. Zende's success wasn't solely due to his policing skills. His ability to connect with people and build relationships with locals also played a crucial role.

Chinmay Mandlekar, the director of "Inspector Zende," aims to portray an honest police officer untouched by corruption. Manoj Bajpayee, who plays Zende, met with the real officer to prepare for the role. Zende himself was involved in the film's production, providing insights from his experiences.

Madhukar Zende's story is not just about capturing a notorious criminal; it's a story of dedication, integrity, and service. He is the author of "Mumbai's Most Wanted," a book detailing his experiences in the Mumbai Police. Today, Zende spends time with his family and enjoys hobbies such as exercise and solving Sudoku puzzles. "Inspector Zende" is a tribute to his remarkable career and a reminder of the real-life heroes who serve and protect.