Wrestling Champion, Celebrated Actor And A Politician - Dara Singh Was All That And More
His legendary status is never in doubt.
Most of us remember Dara Singh as Kareena Kapoor's protective grandfather in Jab We Met or Shah Rukh Khan's jovial uncle in Kal Ho Naa Ho. But before he became a celebrated actor on the big screen, Dara was the man who put Indian professional wrestling on the map after independence. A career that spanned 35 years saw him take on and triumph over the best in the world.
Dara's story with wrestling began when he went to Singapore in 1947. He worked in a drum-manufacturing mill and started his wrestling training under Harnam Singh in the Great World Stadium. When he switched to the sport as a professional, he went around the world and faced off against some big names like Bill Verna, Firpo Zbyszko, John Da Silva, Rikidozan, Danny Lynch and Ski Hi Lee. The most memorable victory was when he brought King Kong down to the floor. Kong was taller and heavier than Dara, but he hardly broke a sweat in subduing him.
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He won the Rustam-e-Hind tournament in 1954 and a win over George Gordienko made him Commonwealth Champion. But Dara was not done yet. 1968 saw history created when he defeated Lou Thesz to become World Champion. That had to be the crowning moment of his career and for Indian professional wrestling in general.
Finally a career that began in 1948 came to an end in 1983 when he announced his retirement. In 1996 he was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame. In 2018 WWE inducted him into their Hall of Fame Legacy Class.
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While he was an active wrestler, Dara was also plying his trade in films. His physique allowed him to play strong characters and he also doubled up as a stuntman. In later years he matured into more character roles in several big budget movies.
Dara also had his tryst with politics. The man joined the BJP in 1998 and was the first sportsperson to be nominated to the Rajya Sabha, which he served from 2003 to 2009.
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He has been gone for 11 years now, but people remember him more than just a wrestler, actor or politician. A humble man, very open and who was respected by most people and loved by many. Dara's legacy is all these things combined and more. A full life completely worth living.
Be it in the ring, on the big screen or in the Parliament, Dara Singh was always a winner.
