Great Khali – The man who shattered boundaries

WWE wrestler The Great Khali with family members of a CRPF martyrs, who were killed in Dantewada, during Veer Rajiv Gandhi Bravery Awards function organised on the occasion of Anti Terrorism Day in New Delhi on Tuesday, May 11, 2010. (Photo by Parveen Negi/India Today Group/Getty Images).

I remember Khali participating in the battle royal of WrestleMania 24, which was covered by Indian news channels! In a year’s time, Khali was put on the same pedestal as the Tendulkars and Shah Rukh Khans, with all of them fighting for the opportunity to meet the mammoth superstar!

The Great Khali was the answer to WWE’s question of finding a face to cater to the Indian fan base, and WWE completely utilized the exposure Khali received from the Indian media. Khali was also featured in four Hollywood films, and in two Bollywood films! He also guest starred on a Disney XD show, “Pair of Kings”. Within a short time, The Great Khali became one of the biggest superstars in the world, and paved the way for others to follow in his footsteps.

While Khali hasn’t been in the main event scene for quite a while in the WWE, he has done enough to put India on the map in the wrestling circuit. It can be argued that Khali opened the doors for professional wrestling to enter into the Indian market, with South African and North American promotions opening their bases in India.

Although wrestling fans don’t acknowledge Khali to be a “good wrestler”, there is little doubt in anyone’s mind that he had done the impossible, and created interest about professional wrestling in India. Finally there was an alternative for the fans, other than cricket or Bollywood. Khali had shattered the boundaries, and became a megastar in his own right.