Iconic wrestler-turned actor Dara Singh dies in Mumbai

A childhood hero to many for his wrestling prowess,83-year-old Singh,who played Hanuman in epic teleserial Ramayanan and also dabbled in politics,passed away at 7.30 AM at his residence in Juhu in suburban Mumbai.

RIP Dara Singh

Singh was taken home from hospital last night by his family members so that they could be with him in the last few moments of his life.

“He passed away at 7.30 AM peacefully,” Dr Ram Narain,COO,Kokilaben Hospital,said.

End of an era with Dara Singh: Bollywood

“He was a tough guy… He wanted to stay fit. But unfortunately his body was getting weaker. An angel now has gone to shine like a star up above,” said one of his sons,Vindu Dara Singh.

Dara Singh’s fight against King Kong will always be remembered

The very first of action heroes in Hindi films,Singh was last seen in Imtiaz Ali’s “Jab We Met” in 2007 where he played Kareena Kapoor’s grandfather.

The original muscle man of Bollywood – Dara Singh

From his first marriage,he has a son Parduman Singh Randhawa and from his second marriage he has five children – – two sons and three daughters including Vindu,a TV-film actor.

Dara Singh,a legend and original ‘Indian Super Hero’

Standing tall with rippling muscles,Singh made a name in the field of professional wrestling and had over 500 professional fights to his credit,all undefeated.

Bollywood,thousands of fans bid adieu to Dara Singh

Singh won the title of ‘Rustam-E-Punjab’ and ‘Rustam-e-Hind’ for his wrestling prowess. Also,he became the Commonwealth Champion in 1959 and in 1996 he was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame. He announced his retirement from wrestling in 1983.

A wrestling hero to some and a much loved cine artist to others, Singh muscled his way into the film world with ease will always be remembered for his variety of roles in cinema including his brawny avatar in “King Kong” and “Tarzan”.

One of his notable friends was actress Mumtaz,with whom he starred in 16 Hindi films including “Faulad” (1963),”Veer Bhimsen” (1964),”Hercules” (1964),”Aandhi Aur Toofan” (1964),”Tarzan Comes to Delhi”,”Tarzan and King Kong” (1965),”Sikandar-e-Azam” (1965),”Rustom-E-Hind” (1965). The doctors had done a MRI and it showed significant damage to his brain after the cardiac arrest.

And doctors attending him had clearly said that there is less chance that he will recover. Hence the family had decided to take him home,so that he could be with them.

“I don’t want to cry and be down. I think I want to party. My mother won’t understand that part. He lived a beautiful life. There would not be a single person on earth who can say anything bad or negative about my father,” Vindu added.

Singh was brought to the hospital in an emergency condition on July 7. He had suffered a cardiac arrest and since then he is in the ICU.

The commonwealth wrestling champion later entered the film industry in 1952 with “Sangdil” and became the only muscle man of the industry with his films like “Faulad (1963)”,”Darasingh: Ironman” (1964),”Daku Mangal Singh (1966)” and “Warrant” (1975).

Ambika Soni condoles Dara Singh’s death

Condoling the death of actor Dara Singh,Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni today said he will always have a special place in the hearts of people for his contribution to the Indian film industry.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of Dara Singh. Dara Singh will always have a special place in our heart for his immense contribution to the Indian film industry in various capacities,as an actor,director and producer,” Soni said in her condolence message.

The Minister also recalled Singh’s distinguished record as member of the Rajya Sabha.

“May his soul rest in peace,” she said.

The 83-year-old actor died at his home in Mumbai this morning.