Pav-Seller Turns Lifesaver: Mohammed Nazim Sheikh Rescues Over 300 Lives at Mumbai’s Gateway of India

Mumbai : Amid the vibrant chaos of the Gateway of India, one man has silently stood guard for decades — not in uniform, but with unmatched courage. Mohammed Nazim Sheikh, a 51-year-old pav-seller from Colaba, has saved more than 300 people from drowning over the last 35 years, earning him the title of an unsung hero of Mumbai.
Starting his day selling pavs, Nazim spends his afternoons near the seafront, keeping a vigilant eye on unsuspecting tourists and locals who wander too close to the treacherous edge. He began this selfless mission at just 16 and has since become an unofficial lifeguard in the area.
His bravery came into sharp focus during the 2003 Gateway bombing, when he rushed to assist victims even before emergency services arrived.
Locals and fellow vendors hail him as the “Guardian of Gateway,” always ready to respond in seconds when danger strikes. With no official recognition but a legacy of lives saved, Nazim’s story is one of quiet heroism and unwavering humanity.