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The wrestling champ did not want to be beaten up by Aamir Khan on screen
Subhash K Jha (DNA; December 5, 2015)

Enlarge ImageThings are not so hunky-dory between real-life wrestling champ Sangram Singh and the celluloid wrestler Aamir Khan. Aamir wanted Sangram to play the role of his main opponent in the ring in Dangal, so that the fight in the grand finale looks real.

There was only one hitch. Sangram’s character had to lose the competition with Aamir. This, Sangram, a wrestling champ, refused to do.

Explains Sangram, “I have the highest regard for Aamir and when he asked me to be part of Dangal, I was most happy. Unfortunately, I would have to lose the match with Aamir. This I couldn’t do.”

Ego or pride? Protests Sangram, “Nahin, it’s not a matter of ego or pride. It is to do with preserving the dignity, the respect and love that my country has given me. Just for the pleasure of being seen on screen with Aamir, I can’t play a loser. It will disappoint my supporters.”

Sangram wishes both Aamir and Salman Khan all the best with their wrestlers’ roles. “With superstars like Aamir and Salman playing real-life wrestlers the sport will get some positive attention. Just like hockey did when Shah Rukh played a hockey player in Chak De!.”