So, the time is finally here. The fourth season of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi is about to kick off at the Dome @ NSCI in Mumbai from tonight. The tournament has been on an upward curve ever since the first edition was held back in 2014. More viewers are watching the tournament, more players are taking part, and even more celebrities have been bitten by the kabaddi bug.
From the likes of Amitabh Bachchan to Aamir Khan, Sachin Tendulkar to Rahul Dravid, celebrities from all spheres of life have been a part of this indigenious tournament in one way or another. Social media is one area where the scope of growth is indefinite and it is where the battles have already begun before the asli panga is taken on the mat. Artists from all walks of life have taken to social media to show their team colours and are looking to form 'Panga Gangs' to urge their fans to follow the team they support and banter with the other teams.
VJ Rannvijay, whose first shot to fame was winning the reality TV show Roadies, has pledged his allegiances to Jaipur Pink Panthers. He even received a warm welcome from the team owner Abhishek Bachchan.
Talking about VJs, one of the funniest of the lot, Jose Covaco will be cheering for 3-time finalists U Mumba. In a video, the funnyman showcases the difference between Fake Panga and Asli Panga while adding himself to the plethora of celebrities supporting U Mumba.
When there's panga being taken, how can Baba Sehgal be far behind? The famous singer, known for his quirky songs, will be rooting for Bengal Warriors for Season 4.
Defending champions Patna Pirates gained a celebrity figure as one of their fans in the form of stand-up comedian Karan Talwar. The man, who goes by the Twitter handle @BollywoodGandu, in a typical humourous manner revealed that he will be behind the men in green for the upcoming season.
Sasha Chettri, the face of 4G, will be hoping to turn Bengaluru Bulls' fortunes around after changing the advertisement industry with her unique ads with the telecom giants.
VJ Bani is no stranger to taking pangas in life. She, too, accepts that the asli pangas are taken on the kabaddi mat at the Star Sports Pro Kabaddi. Dabang Delhi is the team she will be supporting at the upcoming edition.
One of the most lively and hilarious men in the country, Sahil Khattar, is urging his followers to support his favourite team, Puneri Paltan. In the video below, Sahil reveals why he loves the sport of kabaddi. He goes on to talk about why no panga is as asli as the one taken on the kabaddi mat. Let's take a look:
Last, but not the least, Telugu Titans will be supported by local hero, Telugu actor Sundeep Kishan. On the popular social media site, Facebook, Sundeep talks about all the pangas he has taken in his life – in college, in movies, etc – but admits that asli panga is the one taken on the kabaddi mat. Through the video, he also urged his fans to help him cheer for Telugu Titans and help them to glory.
The battle lines have been drawn and the stars have made their choice. Who are you rooting for to come out on top in the Asli Panga?