Salman Khan’s on-screen physique has inspired countless fans to take fitness more seriously, but Commonwealth medalist Jhandu Kumar has revealed just how deeply one particular scene from ‘Dabangg’ influenced his life. Kumar recently spoke about his journey on ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’, recalling how watching Salman in the 2010 action film sparked his interest in bodybuilding. What began as admiration for the actor’s physique eventually developed into a serious fitness routine and, later, a career in para-powerlifting.
Salman Khan’s shirt-tearing scene left a lasting impression
Kumar said the moment that changed his perspective came towards the end of ‘Dabangg’. Salman’s character, Chulbul Pandey, appears in the climactic sequence with his muscular physique revealed after his shirt tears.Recalling his reaction to the scene, Kumar said, “Sir, Salman Khan’s film ‘Dabangg’ was released around 2010. In the climax scene of that film, when Salman Khan’s shirt tears and his physique is revealed, I felt a different kind of enthusiasm. I felt like I wanted to build a body like that, with biceps, triceps, and a chest. That’s when my gym routine began.”For Kumar, the scene was more than a memorable cinematic moment. It gave him a specific fitness goal and encouraged him to start working on his own strength and physique.
Jhandu Kumar’s journey from childhood challenges to competitive sport
Kumar’s journey becomes even more remarkable considering the challenges he faced while growing up. He revealed that he contracted polio when he was only five years old.Despite the difficulties associated with the condition, Kumar continued to pursue his ambitions. His decision to start training eventually opened the door to competitive para-powerlifting, taking him from a young fan inspired by a film star to an athlete competing at the international level.His achievements include winning a Commonwealth medal in the men’s heavyweight para-powerlifting category.
Salman Khan’s fitness image continues to inspire
Fitness has remained an important part of Salman Khan’s public image throughout his career. His physical transformations for different films, along with his well-known dedication to workouts, have made him a major influence among Bollywood audiences and fitness enthusiasts.The actor’s physique in ‘Dabangg’ became particularly popular, with the film establishing another iconic look for Salman. For Kumar, however, that look had a much more personal impact.A scene created to heighten the action and heroism of a commercial entertainer ultimately became the motivation for Kumar to step into a gym and begin developing his strength.
A Bollywood moment led to a sporting achievement
Years after the release of ‘Dabangg’, Kumar’s story shows how a fleeting moment on screen can sometimes have a lasting effect away from cinema.What started with Kumar wanting to develop “biceps, triceps, and a chest” eventually became a disciplined fitness journey and helped lead him towards para-powerlifting. His Commonwealth medal stands as a significant achievement in a journey that, according to Kumar himself, began with watching Salman Khan’s physique on screen.
