The Patiala House Court in Delhi recently issued summons against veteran actor Dharmendra, 89, and two others in a cheating case related to the Garam Dharam Dhaba franchise. The summon is based on a complaint filed by Delhi-based businessman Sushil Kumar, who alleged that he was lured into investing in the franchise. “The evidence on record prima facie indicates that the accused persons induced the complainant in furtherance of their common intent and the ingredients of offence of cheating are duly disclosed,” the judge said in the order passed on December 5. The next hearing is on February 20, 2025.

According to the complaint, the co-accused approached him on behalf of Dharamendra in April 2018 with an offer to open a franchise of Garam Dharma Dhaba on NH-24/NH-9, Uttar Pradesh. He was promised 7% profit on the investment of Rs. 41 lakh. Kumar issued a cheque for Rs. 17.70 lakh in September 2018, which was later encashed.

In November 2018, he also purchased a land at the location for the franchise. However, he alleged that the accused stopped responding shortly afterwards. Kumar has also alleged that he was threatened with dire consequences if he attempted to contact them again.

Olympian wrestler Sushil Kumar will make his TV debut as a judge on the upcoming season of Roadies X4. Quiz him on why he zeroed in on this particular show and the recipient of the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, the highest honour for sportspersons in India, candidly admits that he is not really clued into the MTV reality show. “But I have heard about it from my wife, Savi (who happens to be his guru Satpal's daughter) who has been following it from the beginning and encouraged me to go on it. TV for me is but a medium of communication and this is a good platform to engage with the youth, share my views and experiences with them,“ he reasons, pointing out that last season, boxer Vijendra Singh, who has just turned pro, was on the show as one of the judges and has inspired many youngsters as a boxer and a mentor.

What kind of a judge will Sushil Kumar make, you wonder, and he says he leads by example. “I follow strict discipline in my sport and I would expect the same on the show,“ he asserts, pointing out that he had been on Roadies a few years ago as a guest and had he wrestled with the contestants and judge Raghu Ram.

The Padma Shri winner is known in sporting circles as the “gentle giant“ so why did he opt for such a rowdy beginning? Wouldn't a naach gana show have been better? He laughs pointing out that he may be seen as a gentle giant, but wrestling makes him aggressive. “No naach gaana for me,“ he says decisively.

Salman Khan gets upset with bad behaviour and abuses on Bigg Boss and he agrees with the actor that one shouldn't use a mass platform to take out personal grudges. “One can be aggressive and gentle at the same time. Use aggression to win tasks,“ he insists, admitting that lack of discipline and focus makes him angry. “I practice yoga and meditation to remain focused and workout to remain in control.“

Sushil Kumar won a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and a silver at the London Games four years later. Will he make it a hattrick at Rio next year? “I am committed to winning gold for India in Rio. I am off to Georgia for a three-week training schedule, Rio is top priority and I am fully focused. Even when I'm on Roadies my training schedule will be fixed and my training partners will travel with me. National duty comes first,“ he asserts.

Will X4, which follows Season 12 but has been named Season 14 for reasons best known to the makers, pave the way for more TV shows? “Let's see how it goes, I'm keen to engage with youth,“ he shrugs.

Meanwhile, two movies on wrestling, Dangal and Sultan, are underway, featuring Aamir Khan and Salman Khan respectively. Would he be open to a special appearance in either or is he giving his inputs? “It's great to see the sport getting support from Bollywood,“ he beams. “I would love to contribute to the films in any way that is possible.“

One last question: When was the last time he got into a brawl? The query is answered with a guffaw, “I get into a brawl only in the wrestling arena.“

Sohail Khan who is set to return to acting with a biopic on the legendary wrestler Gama Pehlwan will get a helping hand from another legend of the ring, Olympian Sushil Kumar. Writer-director Puneet Issar has roped in the bronze-medallist to train the actor for the film which will be produced by his elder brother Salman Khan. Sohail will undergo a three-month-long training session in wrestling from July.
Sushil's guru and father-in-law Satpal Singh will also give him tips. He is presently beefing up for the role under the guidance of Salman, who is monitoring his gym sessions and his diet. As Gama, the actor has to weigh 99 kilos and has already gained 15 kilos. He has still to put on nine kgs in a month.

“Sohail has been working out religiously and doesn’t have even an ounce of fat left. The look tests were very convincing. We’ll start filming by early November, after he completes his training with Sushil. Other than the action director, Sushil will also help us design the wrestling scenes.” Gama was undefeated in over 5000 fights. The film will also touch on the wrestler’s personal life, including his penchant for poetry and friendship with singer Bade Ghulam Ali Khan.

Puneet will audition wrestlers from across the country to play supporting roles, even as Salman scouts for international wrestlers. “Salman is already in talks with some but it’s too early to reveal their names. Our script requires international wrestlers because Gama Pehlwan had defeated quite a few bigwigs in his time,” Puneet added.