SIKANDAR OF THE REEL RING

REVISITING CINEMA HISTORY

- IANS

The ethos underpinning his exploits in the wrestling arena and film roles can be understood by his cameo in Anand (1971). Hassled by a gang of roadside ruffians, the film's eponymous hero approaches the neighbourhood pehalwan (wrestler/strongman), and Papaji, learning that women are being harassed, dons his kurta, rolls up his sleeves, flexes his muscles, and sends them packing in terror.

Tossing villains around like toys, stopping aeroplanes with his bare hands, and chasing criminals to the moon – in reel life, Dara Singh was not only the epitome of sheer strength for generations of Indians but also an icon of its righteous and chivalric nature, not just aggressive machismo.

In his real life, he remained an unbeaten wrestler in both the amateur and professional formats – once even making the prime minister stay for nearly an hour to watch him down his opponent.

The strength of a god

When Ramanand Sagar, tasked with adapting Ramayan for television, was casting, several aspirants angled for the role of Hanuman, but he, without hesitation, plumped for Singh though he was then above 50. But it was not the first time Singh, who was born on November 19, 1928, had played the role of Hanuman. He had played the Wind God's son for the first time two decades back in Veer Bajrang (1965) and in Bajrangbali (1976). He then reprised the role in B.R. Chopra's TV series Mahabharat, and finally, in the serial Lav Kush (1997).