Indian wrestler and reality show star SANGRAM SINGH is launching his own fitness brand SGX, a new television show, and also planning to tie nuptial knot with beau Payal Rohatgi by the end of this year. In a freewheeling conversation from South Africa where he just conquered the Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship, he tells KARAN BHARDWAJ that he is marching ahead to inspire millions of aspiring sportsmen
Meeting Sangram Singh is quite an indigenous experience. The tough wrestler has got a golden heart which beats for India like any other true sportsman. From being paralysed and restricted to a wheelchair for 8 years to metamorphose into a hulk beating the shit out of other wrestlers, Sangram Singh has come a long way. Mass popularity struck him after doing reality shows like Bigg Boss and Nach Baliye but Singh remained grounded and a true wrestler to the core. Fresh out his victory striking Golden Belt at the Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship 2016 in South Africa, for two years in a row now, Singh has got a lot to look forward to this year. He has launched his brand SGX, and also planning to settle down with his girlfriend Payal Rohatgi. Excerpts from an interview with Born of Web:
Congratulations, you have just won the Golden belt at the Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship 2016 in South Africa.
It’s a collective victory of all those people who supported me. This is the victory of a dreamer who defeated odds by sheer dint of his will and passion. I will keep trying and marching ahead to fulfill my goals.
Why did you want to start your own fitness brand SGX?
I have come from a small village where people would struggle to make ends meet. As a child, I could not afford basic requirements of an athlete. I would run bare feet even in harsh winters. Today as I have become a successful sportsman, I think it’s my privilege to give back to the society. I have started this fitness brand with a vision. I want everybody to embrace fitness and sports like mobile phones. That’s the reason why we have kept our range so affordable. Our products will be priced from Rs 100 to Rs 999.
But how did you get into commerce?
I’m a simple guy and have no interest in making profits. I have got capability to draw a respectable life. I’ve never been a brand-conscious person. But I want my brand to grow into masses and people use it like their own brand.
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Who helped you in putting things together?
When Payal (beau Payal Rohatgi) came into my life, she introduced me to the universe of commercial fitness, fashion and labels. I learnt that fitness and fashion are co-related. Unless you are fit, fashion doesn’t suit you. You have to be fit to look fab. As far as the brand SGX goes, I have got a partner in Varun Monga, who has worked with designer Rohit Bal. So we assembled everything, depicting fashion and fitness together.
How do you plan to help underprivileged with your SGX?
We will distribute fitness kits to 1,000-5,000 underprivileged kids every year. There are many sportsmen in villages and far-flung areas who need our help to be able to come forward. I am going to do that with my brand. We will provide shoes, equipment and dresses. Since I am connected with roots, I know how to identify and penetrate into untapped territories. I know many areas in the states of Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh where youth is desperate to prove their sporty skills. We will organise tournaments and events among local youths to identify aspiring kids.
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Do you follow moral rules while endorsing products?
I don’t endorse stuff that I don’t like. I refused to endorse a cold drink brand because I don’t want to encourage consumption of soft drinks. They offered a hefty amount for a two-year contract but I chose my principles over money.
What’s next for you?
I’m going to launch a big show with families of 26 sportsmen. The show will be about life and work of the masters and their contribution.
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Is marriage on the cards?
Payal and I may get married by the end of the year. Right now, I am really busy. Marriage is a big task but we will do it when we get time this year.
