Dalip Singh Rana, better known by his stage name, The Great Khali, was a force to reckon with during his tenure with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). During that time, he also became the first Indian-born WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
With a height of 7 feet and 1 inch and with a weight of 157kgs, something that has intrigued everyone is his daily diet. Khali, who is currently working on a campaign with Licious, lets us in on his daily diet, what he misses the most when he is on tours and lots more.
You were the first India-born WWE World Heavyweight Champion which means that nutrition and fitness become your key priority. What kind of diet do you follow?
Nutrition and fitness have always been my priorities. I believe in a balanced diet and ensure my diet consists of chicken, eggs, rice, dal - a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins and fiber. I love my meats and seafood.
During your wrestling days in the US, did you miss ghar ka khana? What did you miss the most?
I missed my staple of dal, chawal and tandoori chicken, which I’m very fond of. I completely relish the flavour of homemade food and miss it during my tours.
We’ve heard about your love for buffets. What dishes would you like included in your ideal buffet?
My ideal buffet would include lots of good, juicy, tasty chicken. I enjoy chicken prepared in different ways including Tandoori Chicken or Chicken Tangri.
What do you enjoy working on more - movies or ad campaigns?
Wrestling - my first love! (laughs) I enjoy acting and being in front of the camera, it’s a different challenge that I relish. Working on various campaigns is also quite fun for me.
Do you also enjoy cooking? What do you enjoy cooking the most?
I do enjoy cooking specially for my daughter and I try my hand at different recipes that my daughter enjoys.
As a wrestler, what’s your advice to budding wrestlers?
Stay committed to your training, work hard, and never give up! Wrestling requires a lot of discipline and dedication. It’s important therefore to set realistic goals and improve your techniques with practice every day. Most importantly - stay positive, stay motivated, and have fun while you are doing it.
What do you think is the future of wrestling in India?
The future of wrestling in India is very promising, which is why I set up the wrestling academy Continental Wrestling Entertainment (CWE) in Jalandhar and Karnal. With so many youngsters aspiring to take up wrestling, I am confident they would take the sport to newer heights and put India on the global map of wrestling.
What are some of your meaty favorites?
I am very fond of Tiger Prawns & Chicken Tangri.
How was your experience of working with Licious again?
It was great fun working with Licious on their All You Can Meat Buffet campaign and specially getting a chance to taste their delicious offerings. I look forward to associating with them again and co-create value for some exciting campaigns.
Email: alwin@newindianexpress.com
Twitter: @al_ben_so