The Great Khali made his wrestling debut in 2000 and his stint as a renowned WWE star has made him a household name. The 7 feet 3 inches tall wrestler became the first Indian professional wrestler to be signed to a contract by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in 2006. The Great Khali was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the 2021 class. In an exclusive interview with Zee News Digital, The Great Khali talks about his love for food, a balanced diet and association with KFC.
Q. So, what is the reason behind the success of The Great Khali, please tell?
a. I never thought I would become such a big global icon, The Great Khali, or do brand endorsements, work in Hollywood and Bollywood. I was not aiming for it. My area of concern is as simple as that of ordinary Indians. We celebrate too many festivals and we tend to overeat, so I set simple restrictions for myself – like not taking festivals as an excuse to break our diet or consume too many sweets. But one thing that was consistent was that I never gave up, I kept trying and trying and doing my best.
It started with bodybuilding and then moved to wrestling. So, my take is that if you start something, you should keep doing it with the same amount of energy and dedication. I have seen a lot of people who get lost and change their interest after getting success, but for me it was always wrestling and bodybuilding.
> Are you a foodie? If yes, what do you like the most?
a. I am very conscious about what I eat, but I also enjoy my favorite dishes. So, this is a balanced eating routine for me. My diet consists of chicken, egg, rice, lentils – a balance of carbs, fat, protein and fiber.
> Why is the KFC Double Down Burger your choice?
a. I loved the Double Down Burger and would recommend everyone to try it. It doesn’t have bun and chicken fillets on either side – like I say “uppar bhi chicken, neeche bhi chicken, chicken hi chicken” (Laughs) – Which is literally a dream burger for a chicken lover like me.
> Is the Great Khali a soft person at heart or a tough one outwardly?
a. I never let anyone influence my life, I never give the key to my peace to anyone else. If I start listening to what others say, they won’t let me do anything. Then maybe I’ll have to sit at home. So, I don’t get upset easily, I know there are people who love me and that’s what matters.
Q. What is your daily diet plan?
a. If I am on a diet, I avoid bread, biscuits etc. I focus on having a balanced diet that has the right mix of proteins, carbohydrates, fiber and fats.
Q. Please reply quickly in one word:
a. Your favorite clothes?
– Casual clothing, simple loose T-shirt and pajamas NS. Paratha or Pizza?
– like both!
C. Burger or Fries?
– Burgers, also my new favorite – KFC Double Down Burger
> Any message for your fans?
a. To be honest, when I started my career, I was not thinking too far ahead. I started by setting small, simple and short-term goals for myself. I would urge my fans to do the same.
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