Commonwealth Games Medalist Jhandu Kumar Reveals How Salman Khan’s Dabangg Inspired His Fitness Journey
Commonwealth Games para-powerlifting medalist Jhandu Kumar has revealed that Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s physique in the 2010 action film Dabangg served as the primary motivation for him to start bodybuilding and fitness training.
What Happened
Speaking during an appearance on the game show Kaun Banega Crorepati, Jhandu Kumar recounted his personal and athletic journey. Kumar, who contracted polio at the age of five, explained how watching Khan in Dabangg sparked his interest in physical fitness despite his condition.
Reflecting on the specific moment that influenced him, Kumar explained: “Sir, Salman Khan’s film Dabangg was released around 2010. In the climax scene of that film, when Salman Khan’s shirt tears and his physique is revealed, I felt a different kind of enthusiasm. I felt like I wanted to build a body like that, with biceps, triceps, and a chest. That’s when my gym routine began.”
Key Highlights
- Inspirational Catalyst: The climax sequence of Dabangg (2010), where Salman Khan displays his physique, prompted Kumar to begin training in a gym.
- Overcoming Polio: Kumar contracted polio when he was five years old but refused to allow the illness to determine the limits of his life.
- Sporting Success: Following his dedication to training, Kumar became a para-powerlifter and won a medal in the men’s heavyweight division at the Commonwealth Games.
- Public Platform: The athlete shared the details of his trajectory from childhood polio to international sports success during an episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati.
- Film Background: Directed by Abhinav Kashyap, Dabangg marked the acting debut of Sonakshi Sinha alongside Khan and remains notable for Khan’s physical presentation.
Why This Matters
Kumar’s story illustrates the real-world impact that popular cinema and actors’ fitness standards can have on viewers. For Kumar, seeing Khan’s on-screen presence helped catalyze a physical training regimen that eventually propelled him to the podium as a Commonwealth Games medalist in heavyweight para-powerlifting. Khan continues to share glimpses of his workouts and physique on social media platforms, frequently drawing recognition from sports figures and fans as a source of fitness inspiration.
What to Watch Next
Kumar’s account features as part of his appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati, where he detailed his transition from dealing with polio to earning international honors for India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jhandu Kumar?
Jhandu Kumar is an Indian para-powerlifter who won a medal in the men’s heavyweight category at the Commonwealth Games.
Which film inspired Jhandu Kumar to begin bodybuilding?
Kumar was inspired by Salman Khan’s physique in the climax scene of the 2010 film Dabangg, directed by Abhinav Kashyap.
Where did Jhandu Kumar share this story?
Kumar recounted his journey and fitness inspiration during a recent appearance on the television show Kaun Banega Crorepati.
Source: Bollywood Hungama