Dara Singh passes away; IOA, film stars and politicians condole his death

New Delhi: Indian film stars and politicians alike issued messages of praise and condolences on the death of wrestler-turnedactor-turned politician Dara Singh, while the government said it was "deeply saddened" by the news. Meanwhile, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Thursday mourned the death of Wrestler-turned-actor Dara Singh, saying Indian wrestling has lost a guide and a mentor. 84-year-old Dara Singh died at his residence in Mumbai early this morning.

Standing tall with rippling muscles, Dara Singh made a name in the field of professional wrestling and had over 500 professional fights to his credit, all undefeated. Dara Singh won the title of 'Rustam-E-Punjab' and 'Rustam-e-Hind' for his wrestling prowess. Also, he became the Commonwealth Champion in 1959 and in 1996 he was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame.
He was a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha from August 2003 to August 2009.

Dara Singh was born in November 1928 in village Dharmuchak of Amritsar, Punjab. A childhood hero to many for his wrestling prowess, 83-year-old Singh played Hanuman in epic teleserial Ramayanan and also dabbled in politics.

Dara Singh learnt the Indian style of wrestling. He was a favourite at wrestling tournaments in India. His massive physique helped him a lot in his wrestling days.

Meanwhile in a condolence message, IOA acting president Vijay Kumar Malhotra said “Indian wrestling in 50’s and 60’s was synonymous with Dara Singh and there is no doubt he gave a new direction to this sports which till that time was confined to rural areas of the country”.

Prof Malhotra said by his fine behavior on and off the ring Dara Singh also raised the profile of this sports and added glamour quotient to it.

Dara Singh’s rise to the fame also attracted rural youths to this game and gave them a sense of self belief. Indian wrestling will miss the genial giant, May his soul rest in peace.

In the 1950s, he began working in Bollywood films and appeared in dozens for which he did his own stunts. The muscular actor is best known, however, for his portrayal of Hanuman in the 1986 Indian TV series 'Ramayan.'

His health had been ailing in recent years before he suffered a heart attack and was admitted Saturday to the intensive care unit of a Mumbai hospital. After doctors determined he would not regain consciousness, they sent him home where he was put on a ventilator. His son, actor Vindu Dara Singh, announced his death on July 12. The very first of action heroes in Hindi films, Singh was last seen in Imtiaz Ali's 'Jab We Met' in 2007 where he played Kareena Kapoor's grandfather.