Sangram Singh opens up about playing a wrestler in Nagraj Manjule's biopic
ETimes | May 18, 2026 2:39 PM CST
With Sangram Singh stepping into the world of cinema yet again—this time in Nagraj Manjule ’s biopic on India’s first Olympic wrestling medallist Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav—the wrestler-turned-actor finds himself in a role that feels deeply personal. Playing a wrestler in a rooted film Sangram says the project is more than just another acting assignment; it’s a tribute to a man he has long idolised.
Sangram, who essays a pivotal role in the film, reveals that Jadhav has been a constant source of inspiration in his own journey. "Being part of a story helmed by Manjule only added to the emotional weight of the project. KD Jadhav saab has been my idol… favourite sports person from India. And Nagraj Manjule, you know, is a brilliant director. Wherever this film goes, it will inspire people—that no matter how tough the situation is, you can fulfil your dreams,” he says.
The film also boasts a formidable ensemble cast, including stalwarts like Nana Patekar and Mahesh Manjrekar. While Sangram didn’t get the opportunity to share screen space with them directly, he acknowledges the significance of simply being part of the same project. “They are among the finest actors in the industry… and just being featured in the same film is a big deal,” he says.
Sangram recalls that his association with the Wrestling Federation of India as a brand ambassador helped him understand Jadhav’s legacy more deeply. “His legacy is very different. I am a wrestler, and becoming part of a legend’s film is amazing. The role I played—I didn’t realise I was shooting for a film, it felt so real. It has a lot of depth,” he shares.
Even as he continues to make strides in cinema, Sangram remains grounded in his primary identity as a sportsperson. Reflecting on his wrestling journey, he admits there is still much left to achieve. He has won Commonwealth Wrestling Championship titles and became the World Wrestling Professional (WWP) champion. He says, "I missed out on an Olympic medal due to lack of financial support and guidance. My competition is with myself only. I feel I have just begun and there is a lot left to achieve. I try to help kids—mentally, physically, financially—to reach that Olympic dream,” he says.
Balancing two demanding careers hasn’t been a distraction, he insists—if anything, it has been complementary. “When your passion becomes your profession, you don’t get distracted. Wrestling and sports gave me everything… cinema gave me popularity. People who didn’t know wrestling got to know me through films. I spent time with Shyam Benegal saab, I did work with Bhatt saab and Prakash Jha saab has been my mentor. Nothing distracts me—you learn. If you stop learning, you stop winning,” he says.
Sangram, who essays a pivotal role in the film, reveals that Jadhav has been a constant source of inspiration in his own journey. "Being part of a story helmed by Manjule only added to the emotional weight of the project. KD Jadhav saab has been my idol… favourite sports person from India. And Nagraj Manjule, you know, is a brilliant director. Wherever this film goes, it will inspire people—that no matter how tough the situation is, you can fulfil your dreams,” he says.
The film also boasts a formidable ensemble cast, including stalwarts like Nana Patekar and Mahesh Manjrekar. While Sangram didn’t get the opportunity to share screen space with them directly, he acknowledges the significance of simply being part of the same project. “They are among the finest actors in the industry… and just being featured in the same film is a big deal,” he says.
Sangram recalls that his association with the Wrestling Federation of India as a brand ambassador helped him understand Jadhav’s legacy more deeply. “His legacy is very different. I am a wrestler, and becoming part of a legend’s film is amazing. The role I played—I didn’t realise I was shooting for a film, it felt so real. It has a lot of depth,” he shares.
Even as he continues to make strides in cinema, Sangram remains grounded in his primary identity as a sportsperson. Reflecting on his wrestling journey, he admits there is still much left to achieve. He has won Commonwealth Wrestling Championship titles and became the World Wrestling Professional (WWP) champion. He says, "I missed out on an Olympic medal due to lack of financial support and guidance. My competition is with myself only. I feel I have just begun and there is a lot left to achieve. I try to help kids—mentally, physically, financially—to reach that Olympic dream,” he says.
Balancing two demanding careers hasn’t been a distraction, he insists—if anything, it has been complementary. “When your passion becomes your profession, you don’t get distracted. Wrestling and sports gave me everything… cinema gave me popularity. People who didn’t know wrestling got to know me through films. I spent time with Shyam Benegal saab, I did work with Bhatt saab and Prakash Jha saab has been my mentor. Nothing distracts me—you learn. If you stop learning, you stop winning,” he says.
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