Jinder Mahal is as desi as they come. Born Yuvraj Singh Dhesi, the reigning WWE Champion might have been born and brought up in Canada, but he retains ties to his 'pind' back in India, he admits. His nickname is the Maharaja, his world title belt has been customized to include the Taj Mahal on the side plates, and like every Punjabi boy, he pronounces it 'Dilli'. The champion was in Delhi recently to announce the first-ever WWE Championship title match in India that will take place in December. DT spoke to him about memories of visiting Bangla Sahib on Diwali as a kid, the prospect of defending his title in front of the home crowd, and which Bollywood stars he feels would make good wrestlers.
In June, barely weeks after becoming the first WWE Champion of Indian origin, Jinder had told DT his desire of defending his title in India. In December, he will get that chance against Kevin Owens in two back-to-back matches in Delhi. "I have to say, these two matches are the biggest events of my career thus far. I have had huge matches but this is the absolute pinnacle for me. This is the moment I've dreamed about my entire life. Growing up, I always wanted to be a WWE superstar, a champion. And how big is this: I get to defend this title in India, the land of my roots," says Jinder on what this title defence means to him.
During his one-day Mumbai visit, Jinder shot for a guest appearance in the TV show 'Sajan Re Jhooth Mat Bolo'. "This was the first time I have ever acted in a TV or film anywhere. So, it was completely new for me and I was nervous. It was quite enjoyable and I look forward to seeing the finished product," he says. But Jinder is quick to add that he isn't harbouring any Bollywood (or Hollywood) dreams even though several wrestlers have gone on to have successful acting careers in the past. He clarifies, "Right now, my focus is wrestling and extending my reign as the champion. In fact, I think it is time that Bollywood should come in the ring, and not the other way round. Imagine someone like Hrithik Roshan or Tiger Shroff - they're both very athletic. Or Akshay Kumar, since he has a martial arts background. Let's make something happen. I'd love to team up with Akshay Kumar in a tag team match at WrestleMania. That'll be a blockbuster!"
