Patna, March 6: The name matters a lot, especially in the underworld. If Mogambo were called Arun instead, Mr India viewers would not have left theatres khush huye (happily) hearing Amrish Puri’s immortal dialogues.

Gabbar Singh’s fear factor would have gone for a toss had his name been Garbar.

When it comes to taking pseudo names, underworld dons all over the world know the whackier they go the better. The identity of Rajendra Nikhalje or Benjamin Seigel may prompt vague guesses. But everyone has heard of Chhota Rajan or Bugsy.

Patna-based criminals, too, like to take on street-smart names to operate. So Ibrar Ahmed calls himself Athania and Rajiv Kumar is more feared as Dr Jaan.

A police officer told The Telegraph the criminals they nab often have strange and amusing nicknames.

A team from the Gandhi Maidan police station nabbed Ahmed on February 23. An officer of the police station said Athania, as his associates better know Ahmed, was wanted in a number of criminal cases.

Similarly, Rajiv — the second year student of Patna Medical College and Hospital, who the police arrested for being the kingpin of an examination racket — operated under the brand name Dr Jaan.

“The nickname was a ploy to remain discreet. His associates and clients knew him by that name. No one knew who he really was,” said Patna City deputy superintendent of police Sushil Kumar.

Dr Jaan used to supply examination writers to the aspirants of competitive examinations.

Police say underworld dons take on sinister names to gain popularity, or notoriety.

It is all about the branding, said a police officer. If you have an uncommon name, you are more likely to be known. Amitabh Bachahan is known as Big B, Shah Rukh Khan is popular as King Khan.

If you want to make a name for yourself, being called Pappu Yadav or Rajender Kumar is not enough. You will have to call yourself Pappu Haddi or Rajender Hero, said a police officer.