Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 15, 2017)

While speaking to Mirror (May 6) earlier, Tiger Shroff had revealed his plans to start a martial arts and dance school for kids. “It’s great to see kids showing more interest in outdoor activities than in staying home after watching me. They are the future of our country and I want to make a difference if I can with this school,” he had stated.

Now, Mirror has learnt that the 27-year-old actor has joined hands with entrepreneur-turned-film producer Imtiaz Khatri to set up mixed martial arts training studios across the country, the first of which will be launched in Bandra where he resides.

Confirming the news, Tiger said, “I’m happy to associate with Imtiaz on a project which is close to both our hearts. I am and will always be a student of mixed martial arts which is the fastest growing sport globally. Since my first movie, Heropanti, I’ve wanted to give something back to young people who have showered me with so much love and there’s no better way to do that than give them a safe place to learn this amazing sport and channelise their energy in a disciplined way.”

Tiger and Imtiaz have known each other for four years now and Imtiaz who describes his friend as “a passionate and pure soul” is happy to be getting into a partnership with him. “The plan is to set up 12 studios over two years. Tiger, a mixed martial arts exponent himself, is actively participating in the planning and execution,” Imtiaz revealed, adding that the duo has zeroed in on a 3000-squarefeet space in Bandra and work on the interiors have begun.

“We are aiming to start operations within three months.” Will Tiger be mentoring the students as well? “He is willing to do so but he has a full-fledged acting career that keeps him busy,” Imtiaz pointed out.

Meanwhile, Tiger is gearing up for the release of the Sabbir Khan-directed Munna Michael and will kick off Ahmed Khan’s Baaghi sequel shortly.