Real to reel: Professional boxers turn actors and are loving it

The two Haryana-bred professional Indian boxers, Deepak Singh and Neeraj Goyat, who are well-known for their punches, have now had a taste of the reel life as well. Deepak (a national champion) and Neeraj (a two-time WBC Asia title holder) will soon be seen in filmmaker Anurag Kashyap’s movie, Mukkabaaz (The Brawler), which is based on the life of a boxer.

When we spoke to the two boxers, during their practice sessions for the finale of Super Boxing League in the city, 23-year-old Deepak said, “Neeraj suggested that I audition for the film. Ek din mere paas Neeraj ka phone aya aur usne kaha ki ek boxing pe movie hai, karega? I thought I will just have to stand somewhere in the

I have seen Anurag’s [Kashyap] films, but don’t remember their names. Punches lag lag ke kuch yaad rehta nahi hai. But I remember Gangs of Wasseypur because it was realistic DEEPAK SINGH, BOXER

background,” says Deepak. “After my selection, I realised I had a crucial role, and I was playing the character, Dharam Pal,” says Deepak, who will be seen opposite Vineeth Kumar and Jimmy Sheirgill, in the film.

On the other hand, Neeraj, 25, had been maintaining a distance from the film industry, as he believed that stardom has a negative effect on people.

“However, meeting and working with Anurag changed my perception for the film industry as he is so genuine. I realised that not everyone in the film business is the same,” says Neeraj, who chose one of the smaller roles in the film, due to his time constraint.

What are their opinions on boxing films, such as Mary Kom (2014)? Deepak quips: “Movie vo bhi achchi hai but theatre mein Mukkabaaz dekhoge to pata chalega ki boxing pe picture banti kaise hai!” The duo sure knows

I didn’t like the film industry because Vidyut Jammwal, who was very friendly to me during his training days, didn’t even reply to my calls after he became a star NEERAJ GOYAT, BOXER

how to build up interest for their film, which will have a world premiere at the 42nd Toronto International Film Festival (Sept 7-17).

Deepak Singh gets punched in a jovial way by Neeraj Goyat during a practice session for the finale of Super Boxing League