Mumbai: Legendary wrestler Dara Singh passes away

Mumbai, 12 July 2012 (Agencies): Former wrestling champion and actor Dara Singh died at his home here Thursday morning following a brief illness, said a hospital official. He was 84.

 

Critically ill Dara Singh was shifted from hospital to his Juhu home late Wednesday as it was his family’s wish that the 84-year-old actor should be at home in the last stages of his life, a hospital official said.

 

"As his condition was deteriorating, respecting the wishes of the family he has been shifted home with ventilator and medicines. A nurse and doctor are at his home," Ram Narain, COO, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, told IANS.

 

"They wanted him to be at home during his last stages. We have facilitated this," he said.

 

Dara Singh was undergoing dialysis at the hospital. He was hospitalised Saturday.

 

The actor’s close friends including Dharmendra, Raza Murad and Farah Khan among others visited him at the hospital.

 

Dara Singh, who won the title of Rustam-e-Hind for his wrestling prowess, entered the film world in the 1960s.

 

He appeared in various films like "Watan Se Door", "Daada", "Rustom-E-Baghdad", "Sher Dil", "Sikandar E Azam", "Raaka", "Mera Naam Joker" and "Dharam Karam".

 

He was last seen in the 2007 release "Jab We Met".

 

Dara Singh also appeared in TV serials and is best known for his portrayal of Hanuman in "Ramayan".