Sangram Singh Once again I am entering the world of cinema – this time Nagraj ManjuleIn the biopic of India’s first Olympic wrestling medalist Khashaba Dadasaheb Jadhav, wrestler-turned-actor Khashaba 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 is a tribute to the man he has long considered his idol.Sangram, who plays an important role in the film, explains that Jadhav has been a constant source of inspiration in his journey. “Being a part of the story directed by Manjule added to the emotional significance of the project. KD Jadhav saab has been my idol… India’s favorite player.” And Nagraj Manjule, you know, is a brilliant director. Wherever this film goes, it will inspire people that no matter how difficult the circumstances are, you can achieve your dreams,” he says.The film features a stellar cast including veteran actors like Nana Patekar and Mahesh Manjrekar. Although Sangram did not get the opportunity to share the screen with him directly, he simply acknowledges the importance of being a part of the same project. He says, “He is one of the best actors in the industry… and having him appear in the same film is a big thing.”Sangram recalls that being associated with the Wrestling Federation of India as a brand ambassador helped him understand Jadhav’s legacy more deeply. “His legacy is very different. I’m a wrestler, and it’s amazing to be a part of a legend’s movie. The role I played — I didn’t realize I was shooting a movie, it felt very real. There is a lot of depth to it,” he shares.Even though Sangram has been making steady progress in cinema, his primary identity remains as a sportsman. Reflecting on his wrestling journey, he believes there is still a lot to achieve. He has won the Commonwealth Wrestling Championship title and became the World Wrestling Professionals (WWP) champion. “I missed out on an Olympic medal due to lack of financial support and guidance,” he says. My competition is only with myself. I feel like I have just started and there is still a lot to achieve. I try to help kids mentally, physically, financially to reach the Olympic dream,” he says.He insists that balancing two demanding careers is not a distraction – if anything, it’s a complement. “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 came to know me through films. I spent time with Shyam Benegal saab, I worked with Bhatt saab and Prakash Jha saab has been my mentor. Nothing fazes me—you learn. If you stop learning, you stop winning,” he says.