A surprise encounter unfolded on Monday afternoon when renowned wrestling coach Kripa Shankar Bishnoi stepped into the residence of his most famous protégé in suburban Mumbai. What greeted him was an unexpected move—a playful leg hold from none other than Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, the actor he had coached for the blockbuster film Dangal.
“He caught hold of my leg, but I defended beautifully,” recalled Bishnoi, who was responsible for training the actors in wrestling techniques for the 2016 Nitesh Tiwari film.
What followed was a fascinating 90-minute exchange over tea and snacks, during which Aamir, Bishnoi, and a dozen wrestlers and coaches conversed about wrestling, cinema, and how Dangal had helped dispel the negative stereotypes surrounding wrestlers, offering them a newfound global respectability.
Bishnoi proudly shared how the actor credited him with helping him overcome a bad habit. “Aamir told everyone that I had convinced him to quit smoking. I would get very annoyed with him for smoking and warned that I would stop coaching him if he did not give it up,” he said.
The wrestlers, who were in Mumbai for an Indian Railways preparatory camp, had travelled from various parts of India. Some arrived with rehearsed birthday greetings, shyly spoken in hesitant Urdu ahead of Aamir’s 60th birthday on 14th March, while others fondly recalled watching his debut film Holi on Doordarshan, lamenting its lack of a theatrical release.
Aamir, ever the keen observer, impressed the athletes by discussing why Indian wrestlers excelled in freestyle wrestling but struggled in Greco-Roman wrestling, which relies solely on upper-body techniques. He even demonstrated a takedown move he had mastered, seeking validation from the female wrestlers. “Aamir also had suggestions on how to improve our medal count in Greco-Roman wrestling,” Bishnoi remarked.
When the Railways training camp in Mumbai was announced ahead of the national championships, Bishnoi had messaged the Lagaan actor, who responded almost instantly, inviting them over. “He replied within seconds, giving us a time slot and saying, ‘Come immediately!’ But we had practice at that time, and he had to leave for Panchgani. Our schedules did not align at first, but we finally met on 10th March,” Bishnoi said, adding that the visiting group included Arjuna and Dronacharya award winners.
Once inside, Aamir sat cross-legged on the floor, engaging with the group in a relaxed manner. Wrestler Rakesh Dubay from Mhow, Indore, described Aamir as a “fantastic person” due to his humility and warmth. Dubay, who fumbled slightly while wishing Aamir in Urdu, later shared how the actor expressed regret at missing a women’s international wrestling event in Indore, saying he would have happily attended had he known.
Aamir also reminisced about how former world championship medallist Pooja Dhanda had recommended Bishnoi for the coaching role during Dangal auditions. “To choreograph a three-minute fight sequence with precise wrestling tactics while keeping in mind cinematic requirements is something Kripa understood exceptionally well,” Aamir remarked in a video of the gathering.
Wrestler Shokinder Tomar, in Mumbai for knee treatment, expressed his gratitude to Aamir for portraying wrestlers in a positive light. “Previously, we were always shown as pot-bellied ogres with large moustaches, red eyes, and aggressive demeanours. We were seen as people to be feared, often engaging in rowdy behaviour. But Aamir sir’s role in Dangal changed that. He showcased the genuine struggles we endure,” Tomar said.
Highlighting the lack of attention wrestling receives even internationally, Tomar added, “Dangal helped wrestling gain recognition in foreign countries too.” Another wrestler pointed out, “Unlike cricket, wrestling does not enjoy widespread popularity. Many people still perceive us as intimidating, and the sport is currently facing challenges. It was heartening to see Bollywood depict us in a respectable manner.”
During their interaction, the wrestlers gave Aamir their candid opinions on his films. “It was mostly praise,” said Dubay, adding that he felt disappointed when Aamir mentioned that Holi had never been released in cinemas. “I told him I had watched it on Doordarshan and shared my thoughts on it.”
Wrestler Sujeet Maan was particularly touched by Aamir’s interest in their personal lives. The actor spoke to several Railways wrestlers’ families via video calls, inquiring about their well-being. “He even sought our advice on healthy weight-cutting techniques,” Maan said.
Describing Aamir as “down to earth”, Maan recalled how the star walked them out of his home barefoot. “He came down to the ground floor to see us off, without even wearing slippers,” he remarked with admiration.
Additional Context: Wrestling’s Growing Popularity in India
The success of Dangal not only elevated the sport’s profile but also inspired a new generation of wrestlers in India, particularly among women. The film was based on the true story of Mahavir Singh Phogat and his daughters, Geeta and Babita Phogat, who overcame societal challenges to achieve international wrestling success. Since its release, India has witnessed increased participation in wrestling, and the country continues to produce top-tier athletes in the sport, as evidenced by Olympic medallists such as Bajrang Punia, Ravi Dahiya, and Sakshi Malik.
The meeting between Aamir Khan and the wrestlers reaffirms the deep connection between Bollywood and Indian sports, demonstrating how cinema can influence public perception and contribute to the evolution of a sporting culture.
Source: indianexpress