Para-powerlifter Jhandu Kumar, a medalist in the men's heavyweight category at the Commonwealth Games, has revealed that Salman Khan's physique in the film Dabangg inspired him to take up bodybuilding. Kumar shared his personal story during a recent appearance on the popular quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati.
How Salman Khan's Dabangg Physique Changed Jhandu Kumar's Life
Kumar said he contracted polio at the age of five but refused to let the condition define his life. He credited Khan's film, released in 2010, with playing a pivotal role in shaping the course of his fitness journey.
According to The Indian Express, Kumar said, "I wanted an upper body like Salman Khan in Dabangg. Whatever I learnt was on my own, by watching videos of athletes online on a borrowed phone."
Jhandu Kumar's Emotional Tribute to Salman Khan on KBC
During his appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati, Kumar described the exact moment that sparked his fitness journey. He recalled watching the climax scene of Dabangg, where Salman Khan's shirt tears and his physique is revealed.
"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." — Jhandu Kumar on Instagram
From Personal Fitness Goal to Commonwealth Games Medalist
What began as a personal fitness goal gradually transformed into a professional athletic career. Kumar's dedication and hard work eventually led him to compete at the highest level of para-powerlifting.
According to The Telegraph India, Jhandu Kumar drew inspiration from actor Salman Khan and wanted to build an upper body like his. What began as a personal fitness goal gradually evolved into a remarkable sporting achievement.
Overcoming Polio to Achieve Sporting Success
Kumar's journey is particularly inspiring because of the challenges he faced early in life. Contracting polio at age five could have derailed his dreams, but instead, it fueled his determination to succeed.
- Kumar did not let his polio condition define his life or limit his ambitions
- He trained himself by watching videos of athletes online using a borrowed phone
- His dedication led to a medal in the men's heavyweight category at the Commonwealth Games
Our Take: A Story of Inspiration Beyond Cinema
This story shows how inspiration can come from unexpected places. A Bollywood film's action scene became the catalyst for a young man's journey to becoming a Commonwealth Games medalist. In our view, this is not just a story about Salman Khan's influence — it is a testament to human determination.
To put it plainly, Jhandu Kumar's achievement deserves recognition on its own merit. He overcame a physical disability, taught himself the sport with minimal resources, and reached the international stage. The fact that a movie scene sparked his initial motivation is simply the starting point of a much larger story of perseverance and success.
For readers, this story reminds us that role models can come from anywhere, and that personal limitations do not have to define what we can achieve. Kumar's journey from watching a film scene to standing on a Commonwealth Games podium is proof that dedication and hard work can overcome even the toughest obstacles.