Deedar Singh Randhawa, better known as Dara Singh, was a well-known name in India. He became famous for playing the role of ‘Hanuman’ in Ramanand Sagar’s TV show Ramayan. Along with being a popular actor, he was also a world champion wrestler and continued wrestling until he was 55.
Dara Singh’s Bollywood journey and love story
Dara Singh started his Bollywood career with the film Sangdil in 1952. He showed his talent as an actor in many films like Main Maa Punjab Dee, Guru Gobind Singh, Qahar, Zulmi, Hudd Kar Di, and Kal Ho Naa Ho. Even though he was a strong wrestler, he had a gentle heart. He once fell in love with actress Mumtaz, but their relationship didn’t last long.
How Dara Singh met Mumtaz
Dara Singh met Mumtaz when the producers of his second film ‘Faulad’ were searching for a female lead. Although Dara’s first film had done well, top actresses refused to work with him in Faulad. At that time, Mumtaz was playing small roles in movies and agreed to act alongside him.
Rumours of romance on the sets of ‘Faulad’
Dara and Mumtaz worked together in Faulad, which was released in 1963. Soon after filming began, rumours spread that the two were in love. They were often seen spending time together on set, and their bond quickly became a topic of gossip.
Fame created distance
At the time of ‘Faulad’, Mumtaz was still a newcomer doing small roles. But after the film’s success, her career took off, and she started receiving many offers. With her busy schedule, she had little time for Dara Singh. The growing distance eventually led to their breakup. Heartbroken, Dara once shared how deeply it affected him.
Dara Singh’s personal life and marriages
Singh’s first marriage was arranged when he was just 14 years old. He tied the knot with Bachno Kaur in 1937. However, after ten years, the couple separated. In 1961, he married Surjit Kaur. Together, they built a happy family and became parents to three sons and three daughters.
Singh’s journey from farmlands to wrestling fame
Born into a family of farmers, Dara Singh discovered his passion for wrestling early on and often took part in local village competitions. Known as Rustam-e-Hind, he fought around 500 matches in his career. Two of his most memorable victories include defeating Australian wrestler King Kong in 1956 and world champion Lou Thesz in 1968.