When it comes to popular sports in India, cricket clearly maintains absolute domination. Badminton or football may also come to mind. However, very few know that the Brahma’s people can boast of a legion of great bodybuilders. Overlooked by the government and huge audiences, Indian Hulks are making waves in Asia as well as on a global scale winning the most prestigious contests such as Mr. Asia, Mr. World, and Mr. Universe. Get to know five incredible Indian athletes who flaunt iron abs and buff biceps just like the world’s bodybuilding mega stars.
Thakur Anoop Singh
The handsome ex-pilot’s bulging muscles leave men green with envy and make ladies want to have babies with him. The Mr. World 2015 was forced to leave his initial profession in 2008 when he was only 18 years old. The global recession had devastated the airline industry and even more experienced pilots lost their jobs. As it turned out a few years later, it was all to the good. Thakur dedicated more time to his gym sessions and put his luck to a test in bodybuilding competitions as well as modeling contests.
The ripped hunk with a heart-warming smile and playful eyes just couldn’t stay off the radar of casting agencies for too long. Eventually, he landed the role of Dhritarashtra in the popular TV series Mahabharata in 2011. It was a truly life-changing experience as Thakur woke up to find himself famous all over the country overnight.
The actor and bodybuilder has no qualms about stripping off to display his hunky physique on his Instagram account. However, he looks just as stunning with his well-cut suit on.
Sangram Chougule
Bodybuilding is a passion for this Hulk-like electrical engineer from Prune. He triumphed in various local contests and won the Mr. Universe title in 2014. In addition to hitting the gym, the bodybuilder is famous for his natural diet. He consumes a couple of pounds of grilled fish and chicken as well as milk and vegetables on a daily basis to maintain his already impressive physique. Although Sangram is already 36 year old, the strongman is still one of the most remarkable stars in Indian bodybuilding.
Varinder Singh Ghuman
Believe it or not, Varinder Singh Ghuman is a 100% vegetarian. Nevertheless, he managed to build bulging biceps and rippling abs that will impress any meat fanatic. Thanks to his incredible physique, Varinder got the Mr. India title in 2009. His gym-honed body drew the attention of Bollywood producers who offered him several roles in action movies. Even Arnie was impressed with Varinder’s physical strength and offered the Indian athlete a lucrative opportunity to become the first Asian bodybuilder who would promote his fitness products.
Murali Kumar
A software engineer and currently a sailor in the Indian Navy, Murali Kumar is a giant whose bushy moustache looks as convincing as his ultra buff muscles. The Indian bodybuilding icon started lifting weights at a relatively late age of 25. He didn’t have even the slightest idea that he would hold the Mr. India title for two consecutive years – 2013 and 2014 – just a couple of years later. A huge fan of Dorain Yates who had won the prestigious Mr. Olympia title for 6 consecutive years, Murali takes his gym programs very seriously and keeps pursuing his goal of beinging victorious in the Mr. World and Mr. Olympia competitions.
Rajendran Mani
Synonymous with Indian bodybuilding, Rajendran Mani has proven to be an undisputed winner of several domestic and international competitions. The always smiling muscle builder had served in the Indian Air Force for 15 years before he switched to pumping iron full-time. The uber experienced athlete set a record for holding the Mr. India title 8 times. Powerfully built, with hard and honed muscles, Rajendran Mani serves as an inspiration for the up-coming generation of Indian bodybuilding stars.
