Pro-wrestling is an integral part of India with millions of fans following several wrestling promotions across the globe. Amidst the growing popularity of sports entertainment, the sub-continent is all set to witness its first pro-wrestling show – 'Dangal Ke Soorma'.
Billed as the game-changer for wrestling in India, 'Dangal Ke Soorma' boasts of an exciting roster comprising of home-grown talents. One such wrestler is 2faan who hails from Punjab.
The hot-headed wrestler has created a lot of buzz in the Indian wrestling community. Recently, he spoke with Sportskeeda and discussed several aspects of the upcoming adventures. Here are the excerpts:
What do you like most about Dangal Ke Soorma?
Well, I can't put my finger on one thing alone. First of all, I got an opportunity to showcase my talent on such a big platform. I used to do Indie shows which made for a completely different experience. Here, I had a chance to participate in a more advanced level of pro-wrestling. It gave me a chance to show the world what I am capable of.
What is the biggest challenge that you faced in this promotion?
I don't know if there were challenges. Initially, when the trials were on, we had to work extremely hard. I used to wonder if I will be selected but by god's grace, everything worked out and I got in.
Which is your favorite moment so far in 'Dangal Ke Soorma'?
My favorite moment would be performing in front of Chris Masters. He is a big name in the pro-wrestling world. Not only did I get a chance to meet but also share the ring with the American pro-wrestler. It was a moment of pride for me and I learned a lot from him.
What was your reaction when you first came to know that you will be fighting against Chris Masters?
I was super excited. I was going to perform alongside such a talented and popular wrestler. It felt nice but there were also hints of nervousness. I was worried if I will be able to do my job properly.
Will there be a second season of 'Dangal ke Soorma' and what can you tell us about it?
It is a little too soon to say anything about the second season. But we gave our best and in the future, it all depends on the directors and producers.
What do you think about the future of pro-wrestling in India?
Pro-wrestling is in its infant stages in India and we have received an incredible response. We see the amount of craze the fans have for promotions like WWE. People have seen pro-wrestlers from other countries and now they will see Indians do the same. Therefore, I think there's a lot of scope for pro-wrestling in India and it will definitely conquer new altars of success with time.
Would you like to share the beginning of your pro-wrestling journey?
I was a huge fan of WWE as a kid. But there was no platform for fans like us to practice and refine our pro-wrestling skills in India. People would watch but no one would step inside the ring. But gradually things started to change. I searched for options on the Internet and came across Wrestle Square. Following that, I got in touch with Vinayak Sodhi who encouraged me to start training with his company. Hence, my journey began.
How did your family and friends react when you revealed that you wanted to be a pro-wrestler?
Promotions like WWE have a huge fan base in India and people follow pro-wrestling. When I told my friends that I will also start training to become a pro-wrestler, they said, 'Wow! You will actually do that? We have only seen that on TV!". And I said that they will now watch me do the same thing inside the ring.
As far as my family is concerned, they were a little reluctant in the beginning. They felt that the injuries might cause problems for me. In fact, they even asked me to explore my options in other sports. But I was determined to pursue wrestling. So I spent a little time in convincing them to let me go behind my dreams.
What would you like your fans to know about you?
2Faan is always angry inside the ring and demolishes anyone who stands in front of him. But outside the ring, he is a kind-hearted person who likes to be around people and likes cooking.
Who do you want to face in the future?
I would like to face Dr. Smash. There's also Locomotive... I faced him once this season and I would like to lock horns with him again.
As a pro-wrestler, where do you see yourself in the future?
This is a growing industry and I will always be associated with it. I feel there's a bright future ahead of pro-wrestling and I see myself achieving similar heights of success in the coming years.
What would you like to say to the viewers ahead of 'Dangal Ke Soorma'?
All I want to say is that the fans have shown so much love towards the pro-wrestlers from different countries. There's a lot of love and respect for all those pro-wrestlers. Hence, now that your own people are also trying their hand at the same, we expect to receive similar kind of love and affection so that we all can join hands in taking pro-wrestling forward on the road to glory.
Tune in to DSport to catch Dangal Ke Soorma starting from August 24, 2019.