Deedar Singh Randhawa, famously known as Dara Singh, was a multifaceted personality: a celebrated wrestler, a charismatic actor, a successful director and producer, and even a respected politician. His legacy extends far beyond his impressive achievements, leaving an indelible mark on Indian entertainment and culture.

Wiki/Biography

Dara Singh was born on Monday, November 19, 1928, (aged 83 at the time of his death) in Ratangarh Village, Gurdaspur District, Punjab. His zodiac sign was Scorpio. He spent his early years in Dharmu Chak village, Gurdaspur. He left his formal education early to help with farming until 1946, concurrently engaging in amateur wrestling. In 1947, he and his uncle relocated to Singapore.

Physical Appearance

• Height (approx.): 6’ 2”
• Weight (approx.): 130 kg
• Body Measurements: Chest- 52”, Waist- 38”, Biceps 18”
• Hair Colour: Salt & Pepper
• Eye Colour: Dark Brown

Family & Caste

Dara Singh hailed from a Jat Sikh family. His father, Surat Singh Randhawa, was a farmer, and his mother, Balwant Kaur Randhawa, a homemaker. He had a brother, Sardara Singh Randhawa (also an actor and wrestler), who passed away in 2013. Sardara Singh Randhawa was married to Bollywood actress Malika.

Wife & Children: Dara Singh first married Bachno Kaur in 1937, and they had a son, Parduman Randhawa (an actor). They later divorced. Following this, he married Surjit Kaur Aulakh on May 11, 1961. They had two sons, Virender Singh Randhawa (actor) and Amrik Singh Randhawa (producer), and three daughters: Deepa Singh, Kamal Singh, and Loveleen Singh. His son Vindu Dara Singh is also a well-known actor.

Close Relatives: His nephew, Shaad Randhawa, is an actor. He was also the brother-in-law of actor Ratan Aulakh (his wife’s brother). His son-in-law, Daman Maan (married to his eldest daughter, Kamal), is also an actor.

Wrestling Career

Initially working in a drum manufacturing mill in Singapore, Dara Singh’s physique caught attention, leading him to pursue wrestling. After a short stint at Singapore’s Happy World Stadium without opportunities, he received training from coach Harnam Singh at the Great World Stadium. His build was well-suited to Pehlwani, the Indian style of wrestling. He competed against many renowned wrestlers globally, including Bill Verna, Firpo Zbyszko, John Da Silva, Rikidozan, Danny Lynch, and Ski Hi Lee.

He achieved significant victories: becoming the Champion of Malaysia in Pehlwani in 1950 after defeating Tarlok Singh; gaining widespread popularity in 1951 by defeating “King Kong” in Sri Lanka; winning the Rustam-e-Hind Tournament in 1954; claiming the Commonwealth Championship in 1959; and finally, securing the World Championship on May 29, 1968, by defeating Lou Thesz. He also wrestled at the invitation of various Indian princely states. He retired from professional wrestling in June 1983 during a tournament in Delhi. He was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in 1996 and the WWE Hall of Fame in April 2018.

Acting Career

Dara Singh began his acting journey in 1952 with the film “Sangdil.” He initially worked as a stuntman in films like “Pehli Jhalak” and “Engal Selvi.” His first lead role was in “King Kong” (1962). His Punjabi film debut, where he acted, wrote, and directed, was “Nanak Dukhiya Sub Sansar” (1970). His Malayalam debut was in “Mutharamkunnu P.O.” (1985). He enjoyed a successful partnership with Mumtaz, appearing in about 16 Hindi films. This pair became the highest-paid B-grade actors at the time, with Singh earning approximately Rs 4 lakh per film.

His television debut was in 1987, playing Hanuman in the iconic “Ramayan.” He subsequently appeared in numerous TV serials and films, also portraying Bheem and Balram in various “Mahabharata” adaptations and Shiva in mythological films. “Rustom” (1982) was his last film as a lead actor. He later took on character roles, including appearances in “Jab We Met” (his last Hindi film) and “Dil Apna Punjabi” (his last Punjabi film before his death). He also directed several Punjabi films.

Political Career

Dara Singh actively participated in political campaigns, notably with Zail Singh and Sanjay Gandhi for the 1979 mid-term Lok Sabha elections. He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in January 1998 and was subsequently nominated to the Rajya Sabha (the upper house of the Indian Parliament), serving from 2003 to 2009. He also served as president of the Jat Mahasabha.

Controversy

His film “Raj Karega Khaalsa” (later re-released as “Sava Lakh Se Ek Ladaun”) faced controversy in the 1970s, initially banned by the ruling government. The resolution involved a title change after discussions with Giani Zail Singh.

Awards & Achievements

Below is a table summarizing his wrestling and acting awards and achievements:

Salary & Net Worth

Dara Singh’s net worth was estimated at approximately $4 million. He earned approximately Rs. 4 lakh per film during his acting career.

Death

On July 7, 2012, Dara Singh suffered a massive heart attack and was admitted to Mumbai’s Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. Brain damage due to lack of blood flow was confirmed two days later. Discharged on July 11, 2012, he passed away at his Mumbai home the following day. He was cremated at the Juhu Crematorium.

Facts/Trivia

• He never consumed alcohol.
• His hobbies were traveling and wrestling.
• He followed a non-vegetarian diet.
• He married his first wife at age 9.
• His first professional wrestling match was a draw against an Italian wrestler.
• He earned $50 for his first wrestling match.
• In 1952, he was the first sportsman nominated to the Rajya Sabha.
• He founded Dara Film Studio in Mohali, Punjab in 1978.
• He served as chairman of CINTAA (Cine and TV Artist Association) for many years.
• He appeared in approximately 122 Hindi and 22 Punjabi films.