Dara Singh 90th Birth Anniversary: Facts About India's Most-Loved Wrestler

Dara Singh Randhawa was best known as the crowned wrestler of his era. A man of many talents, Dara Singh was born on November 19, 1928. His name is included in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of fame. Singh was a true Punjabi and, as a successful wrestler from the Indian soil, he represented his motherland at several World Championships. He became a star wrestler - and not just on Indian turf.

Singh had carved a niche for himself in films and television shows, thanks to his muscular body. Since the showbiz of his time invested more in mythological narratives, the avid wrestler was packaged with roles involving characters such as Lord Shiva or Hanuman. Dara Singh was a celebrated actor and wrestler back in the day, and to commemorate his journey, we reminisce the man who became God. Singh stepped into the film industry in 1962. He had also directed, produced and acted in numerous Hindi and Punjabi films. His most popular stint was as Hanuman in Ramanand Sagar’s epic Ramayana.

Today, on his 90th birth anniversary, some lesser-known facts about Dara Singh:

#1. Born in Dharmuchak village in Amritsar, Punjab, Dara Singh had bigger body measurements than most Indian wrestlers at that time. He was 6ft 2 inches tall with a 53-inch chest. Due to his physical stature, Dara Singh was encouraged to take up wrestling at a very young age. He started his wrestling career by competing in amateur fights at fairs and markets. His style of wrestling is called Pehlwani, an Indian wrestling technique that has been in practice for over 1,000 years.

#2. Singh had toured many Asian countries to compete in fights. In 1947, he went to Singapore, where he was crowned the Champion of Malaysia when he defeated Tarlok Singh. He became the National Wrestling Champion in 1954, at the age of 26. He earned laurels and honour from all corners of the country with his wrestling skills.

#3. Dara Singh became the Commonwealth Champion in 1959 by defeating favourites such as King Kong, George Gordienko and John Desilva.7. Singh became the World Champion by defeating America's Lou Thesz in 1968. He was inducted to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame as a professional wrestler in 1996.

#4. He has received many awards and titles including Rustam-E-Hind and Rustam-E-Punjab.

#5. He announced his retirement as a wrestler at a tournament held in Delhi in 1983. The event was inaugurated by Rajiv Gandhi and the winner's title was presented by the then President Giani Zail Singh.

#6. Dara Singh was also the first sportsperson to be nominated in the Rajya Sabha. He served the role from 2003 to 2009.

Dara Singh