Dara Singh

Dara Singh was an Indian professional wrestler, actor, director and politician. He started acting in 1952 and was the first sportsman to be nominated to the Rajya Sabha (upper house) of India. He worked as Hindi and Punjabi film producer, director and writer, and he acted in films and television. His role of Hanuman in the film Bajrangbali (1976) and in Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan made him popular. He was also known for his roles in films such as King Kong (1962), Faulad (1963), Samson (1964), Hercules (1964), and Rustom (1982). He was also a successful director and producer, and made films such as Nanak Dukhiya Sub Sansar (1970), Mera Desh Mera Dharam (1973), Bhakti Mein Shakti (1978), and Karan (1994). He was also a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party and served as a member of the Rajya Sabha from 2003 to 2009. He was inducted into the Legacy Category of the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2018. He died on 12 July 2012 at his home in Mumbai due to cardiac arrest and brain damage. He was cremated at Juhu Crematorium. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers and actors of India.