Dara Singh Randhawa born Deedar Singh Randhawa was born in 1928. He started acting in 1952 & was the first sportsman to be nominated to the Rajya Sabha of India. He is known for his undefeated streak in wrestling & later became a successful movie star.
His role in film “Bajrangbali” in 1976 & later in Ramanand Sagar’s “Ramayan” made him popular. His muscled body was endowed with a kind face & a endearing smile. When he jumps down the tree in front of Seeta, neither has seen each other before but his very presence then instils a confidence in her. Hanuman cannot be anybody else but him! So many others have tried their hand at it but he remains immortal.
Given the apt title of ‘Rustam -e -Hind’ he graced the wrestling grounds & the screen with equal ease. In 1996 he was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame. In 2016, Dara Singh was included tn the list of India’s top wrestlers of all time. On 7 April 2018, WWE inducted him in WWE Hall of Fame Legacy class of 2018.
He died of cardiac arrest on 12 July 2012. His role in “Jab We Met” as Geet’s grandfather in 2007 & the Guest appearance in ‘Ata Pata Laapata’ 2012 are the last screen appearances.
His body of work is phenomenal. What young wrestlers need to do is follow his footsteps. His flawless, blameless career needs to be the goal. The celebrity status brings laurels & lot of money, recognition. The ability needs to be put to use for the good of the society. That is the responsibility!
Or else, name Sushil Kumar but actions that of a bad guy. In Marathi we say, ‘Nav Sonubai hati Kathalacha Wala… !
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