New Delhi: Film actor and wrestler Dara Singh Randhawa, popularly known as Dara Singh died at the age of 84. He was admitted to Mumbai's Kokilaben Hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Born to Balwant Singh and Surat Singh Randhawa on 19 November, 1928 in the Dharmuchak village of Amritsar district in Punjab, he was expected to take up wrestling. His rural upbringing made him interested in the traditional Indian style of wrestling. Very soon, Singh started to make a name for himself in the carnivals organised by local administrators, however he was aiming for something higher.
A sudden opportunity took him to Singapore where he defeated Tarlok Singh to become the champion, but his name came into limelight when he defeated King Kong, a dreaded wrestler. His victories against George Gordienko and John Desilva fetched India the much awaited prestige in the ring.
His undefeated status in more than 500 matches prompted the state and central governments to consider wrestling as a popular sport.
Dara Singh's envious physique was the chief reason behind his selection in films such as 'Daaku Mangal Singh' and 'Daada'. Slowly and steadily he became the action king of Hindi films. One of the initial actors to take his shirt off, Dara Singh discovered the acting potential of Mumtaz. Later, Mumtaz went on to become one of the sought after actresses of Bollywood.
Dara Singh became a household name after the telecast of Ramanand Sagar's legendary TV serial 'Ramayana'. Singh's popularity can be measured from the fact that his face became the lord Hanuman's face on the posters. His other TV serials such as 'Had Kar Di' and 'Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka' also gained fame amongst the viewers, mostly because of his presence.
Recently, he was seen in 'Jab We Met'. Once again his effervescent presence made the entire climax look lighter and funny.
Probably this was the way he wanted to see life. He was never serious or sad in any of his photographs. Despite being an acclaimed wrestler, he avoided bragging about his achievements. His humility was clearly visible in the roles he played on the screen.
Today he might not be with us but people will always like to believe that there was a man called Dara Singh who could lift a mountain if need comes.
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