The wrest(ling) is history...

Delhi-based wrestler Sanjit Kumar — now a reality show contestant — hopes to become a full-time actor

Toiling in mud is 27-year-old Sanjit Kumar’s favourite pastime. Though work has thrown this brown boy in the ring many a time, the wrestler-turned-Delhi cop-turned wrestler again, still books a date with his beloved akhara at least thrice a week. That’s because he now wears make-up (and a flashy spandex) for half the week to become a ‘wrestling actor’ on the Colors show, 100% De Dhana Dhan.

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Fitness, needless to say, is top priority. And the attention he garners from fellow pehalwan bhai in the akhara today, a pleasant bonus. “I hail from a family of professionals in Rohtak, Haryana, and have been a wrestler for 10 years. My brother introduced me to wrestling and I haven’t left it since. After representing India at wrestling championships in Hungary, Poland and South Africa, I joined the Delhi Police a few years ago,” recalls Sanjit, who now resides at Safdarjung Lane. The young gun, who from a tender age had eyes for the camera, dabbled in print commercials before the big break struck his chiseled torso. “I auditioned for 100%… in Noida and the judges loved me. Soon the show began and I was asked to play Sangraam Singh,” he says. Though Kumar says the show is ‘almost’ authentic, “some emotions are exaggerated”. “Before doing the show, I used to think professional wrestling is rigged. But the fights are actually authentic. Everything that happens during the bout is real, barring a few off-ring moments. But I’m happy that sports like wrestling and boxing are finally being glamourised through reality shows. It’s a great way to popularise them,” he says.

The lad is all praise for the international wrestlers on the show. “These guys are ferocious in the ring. They fall from a height of 30 metres and still walk off unhurt,” he says. Kumar, who’s now taking professional acting head-on, has a few surprises in his kitty. “I’m in talks with Balaji Telefims for a soap and Red Chillies Entertainment for a military-based series. If all goes well, I’ll be a full-time TV actor soon,” he says.