He was an officer in the Punjab Police, went on to be a bodybuilder, a professional wrestler and even won the Mr. India title. Now, wrestler Dalip Singh Rana, better known by his ‘The Great Khali’ moniker, says he wouldn’t mind if someone approaches him with the idea of a movie on his life.
Bollywood, over the past few years, has witnessed a surge in biopics, especially inspirational tales of sportspersons.
During a visit to the IANS headquarters here on Saturday, when Khali, a former World Heavyweight Champion, was asked if he would like a movie to tell his tale, he said: “I have never thought about a biopic. If somebody will come to me, then definitely I will tell that person about myself.
“It would be good if there is a biopic on me. But even if there is no biopic, then also it’s fine. Everybody wants to see a film made on them… But it’s not like I will die of hunger if it’s not made,” he added.
A former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) star, Khali who has a towering height of 7’1 ft, said a biography which will be out in November will be a tell-all tale on his life.
“There is a book coming up on my real life. It’s a biography. It will come out in November and will be in English. I will reveal further details later,” he said.
Khali, who has himself featured in Hollywood films like “The Longest Yard” and “Get Smart” as well as Bollywood movies like “Kushti” and “Ramaa: The Saviour”, visited IANS to talk about professional wrestling matches that he is organising in Haryana next month.
“The event is happening under Continental Wrestling Entertainment (CWE). It will take place on October 8 in Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Gurgaon. Another event will take place in Panipat on October 12.
“It will be the first time people will see professional wrestling in Haryana. I met (Haryana Chief Minister) Manohar Lal Khattar a month back, and he extended his support for this event.”
Khali believes that the “government is more supportive of wrestling these days” as compared to when he started.
He said: “This support was not there earlier. The Haryana government is especially more supportive. I thank the Haryana government for supporting me for this initiative.”
Khali even lauded how efforts are being made by Bollywood superstars Salman Khan and Aamir Khan to promote wrestling. While Salman did it through “Sultan“, Aamir will be seen in “Dangal”, which is on the life of Mahavir Singh Phogat.
“It’s a good effort. Why do people make films’ Films are made on emotions. Films that we used to see earlier — where three hours went in songs and running around trees — will not work in today’s times. Films are made on things that are a current craze. Right now, there is a craze about wrestling and other sports in India.
“That’s why people are making films about it. If that craze was not there, then why would people make such type of films,” Khali reasoned.
However, he is not happy with how today’s youth is focussed towards making perfect abs — as a result of watching their screen idols doing the same.
Slamming how actors build abs off and on for films, Khali said: “They (actors) make that kind of physique by consuming drugs. I don’t think people should take drugs. People should not watch actors’ abs.
“I request people not to follow actors who show off their six-pack abs.”
