Britain's strongest man seeks Bollywood role

Eddie Hall, Britain's strongest man and an ardent fan of Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, is seeking a role in Indian films.

Eddie, the four-time winner of strongest man title in Britain, is polishing his acting skills to test waters in Bollywood as a baddy. He was named as World's Strongest Man in Australia after he set a new deadlift world record of 462 kg in the presence of none other than Arnold Schwarzenegger. The 'Terminator' star is organising another event for Eddie in the US.

"I like two things from India - curries and Hindi movies," Eddie told Asian Lite magazine. "When I was a kid I was amazed by the way Bachchan and other stars smashing the baddies on big screen. I thought these stars are martial arts experts like Bruce Lee."

Eddie, fondly called 'Gentle Giant' for his soft mannerism outside the arena, is eagerly waiting for an opportunity to visit India and meet his icon.

The Stoke-on-Trent-born wrestler is also keen to get a role in superstar Aamir Khan's forthcoming movie "Dangal", which is rumoured to be based on a wrestler.

"I like to be a winner," Eddie added. "But I am ready to be defeated by the stars of Bollywood, if it provides entertainment to billions."

Eddie, 6'3" tall, is also willing to challenge Indian pahalwans (strongmen) in Britain or on their home turf. Mo Chaudhry, one of the richest British-Asian businessman in England, is offering a cash reward for the winner.

Mo, owner of Waterworld in Stoke-on-Trent, Britain's most popular aqua park, has turned his sights to making Eddie a global celebrity after agreeing to a deal to become his agent. The owner of the M Club gym chain will handle all commercial activities so the Newcastle-under-Lyme 27-year-old can concentrate on becoming the World's Strongest Man, having won the British title four times.

An amateur power-lifter in his youth, Mo is determined to help the 27-stone strongman achieve his goals of breaking into the top three this year - after finishing sixth in his debut competition last year - and winning the title in 2016.

"When I saw Eddie training at M Club it brought back some happy memories," Mo told Asian Lite.

"My father Iqbal was a strongman in Pakistan when I was young and was a local hero, and I was a weightlifter at university, winning a silver medal in the Student Olympics in 1982 and bronze in 1983. So I can appreciate what Eddie has to go through to prepare for competition and also how the winners are revered around the world.

"Ultimately I'd like to create an Asia's strongest man competition, as strongman contests in the subcontinent have huge potential, but first I want to help Eddie achieve his ambitions.

"By taking commercial negotiations out of his hands, I can leave him to concentrate on his training.

I am very passionate about promoting unique local talent and helping it to reach its full potential, and this partnership enables me to do that and hopefully put the area on the map."

Eddie said: "My food bill is large as I need to consume 7,000-10,000 calories a day, and more than 10,000 a day during competitions.

"The agreement with Mo has already helped to generate TV and commercial opportunities. It's great to have such a driven guy looking after my best interests, as now I can fully concentrate on becoming the World's Strongest Man."

(Anasudhin Azeez can be contacted at md@asianlite.com)