Dara Singh, wrestling champion and Bollywood’s strong man, dies

Mangalore Today News Network / CNN-IBN

Mumbai, July 12, 2012: Veteran Actor Dara Singh died at the age of 84 in Mumbai on Thursday. His doctor RK Aggarwal said, "He died due to cardiac respiratory arrest at around 7:30 am." Dara Singh will be cremated at 2 pm.

The 84-year-old had suffered severe brain damage following a cardiac arrest last week. He was shifted home from hospital on Wednesday night as his family wanted his final moments to be spent at home.

The grim news shook the film industry as well as the political fraternity. Actor Amitabh Bachchan tweeted, "Dara Singh ji passed away this morning. A great Indian and one of the finest humans..An entire era of his celebrated presence gone!"

Actor Shah Rukh Khan also tweeted, "Wrestlers r made of sweat,determination & a hard to find alloy called guts...most apt for Dara Singhji our very own Superman.Will miss u sir." (sic)

BJP leader Sushma Swaraj tweeted, "He distinguished himself not only as a sportsperson but also as an actor and a Member of Parliament."

The 84-year-actor was admitted to Kokilaben Hospital in an emergency condition on July 7. He had suffered a cardiac arrest and since then he has been in the ICU.

The Commonwealth wrestling champion entered film industry in the fifties and is known for his roles in ’King Kong’ and ’Faulad’. He was last seen in Imtiaz Ali’s ’Jab We Met’ (2007) playing Kareena Kapoor’s grandfather.

The veteran actor had played the character of Hanuman in Ramanand Sagar’s epic television series ’Ramayan’.