Boxer Shorts

Beniwal is making sure that his sport is not completely forgotten. So even between the cricketing overs,the commercial breaks have him endorsing a range of products from Nestle Munch to Emami Fast Relief and Venkys Chicken. Seen in a three-piece suit in print commercials of Siyarams,the 25-year-old also endorses Nike and Gillette at their promotional campaigns. Yeh sab karna padta hai. Its all part of publicity,but boxing is the only thing on my priority list, he says nonchalantly,over the phone,adding that he was comfortably settled on the bed in the room allotted to him at Dhyanchand Hostel in Patiala,where he is attending a sports camp.

While he is game to share details about his recently purchased Harley Davidson bike and quotes dialogues from the film Guru,he remains tight-lipped about his Bollywood debut,tentatively titled Patiala Express,opposite Govindas daughter Narmmadaa Ahuja. To be directed by Lovely Singh and reportedly also starring Bollywoods bad boy,Salman Khan,the films publicist confirms that Singh will be part of the project,but the boxer refuses to comment.

A few months ago,the 2008 Olympics bronze medalist was on the sets of MTV Roadies 8. Dressed in a red-and-blue hood,with sweat dripping down his perfectly toned six-pack abs,he posed a challenge to the contestants. While the boys gasped in disbelief,the girls did not stop ogling at his perfect physique,from the bulging biceps to the chiselled face and toned calf muscles.

What makes this Padma Shri awardee a sought after brand? He is a complete package he is good looking,tall and an achiever. Of course there are other Indian boxers too,but Vijenders charm is unbeatable, says fashion designer Rohit Bal,who chose him to be the showstopper for his India Couture Week show in 2008. Raghu Ram,producer of MTV Roadies,adds,Apart from the stunning good looks and attractive physique,he has a typical Haryanvi accent and a poker-faced way of saying the most amazing things and this works in front of the camera.

Often spotted eating at Chonas in Khan market,and with shopping bags at DLF Emporio,the luxury mall,those close to him vouch that Singh has remained grounded despite his success. His close circle still comprises childhood buddies, says Renuka Choudhary,who is Singhs publicist and manager. The criterion of choosing a brand or a show is youth appeal,glamour quotient and its reach, she adds,pointing out that he receives a number of film offers,both sports-related and entertainment-based.

Boxing,meanwhile,remains his first love and his ranking has remained consistent. After all,it wasnt Bollywood,but boxing,which dominated his discussion with Salman Khan in Dus Ka Dum. So was the case on the reality dance show Nach Baliye,where Singh learned a few dance moves from Bipasha Basu. Those who saw him walk the ramp for Bal,would recall the applause he received from the fashionistas for his trademark boxing pose. Vijender has given a face to Indian boxing. Even when he is not fighting bouts,his presence on television makes sure that boxing is in the news, says Paramjeet Samota,super heavyweight boxer and CWG gold medalist. Back in Patiala,Singh remains aloof to the fanfare he puts on his iPod and shuffles the playlist featuring his favourite Punjabi numbers.

With Priyanka Rathi

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