Thakur Anoop Singh: Mahabharata's Dhritarashtra Wins World Bodybuilding Gold

Television's Dhritarashtra is now a world star. No, not for fathering a 100 sons or being torn between the principles of dharma and his love for his son Duryodhana, but for winning a gold medal in a world bodybuilding meet in Bangkok on Saturday. A former pilot, Thakur Anoop Singh has scripted a new high.

Thakur Anoop Singh's journey has been truly remarkable. He has a pilot's license but when the 2008 global recession hit the airline industry, he was forced to look at other options. Anoop decided to enter Fit Factor, which was India's prominent model search competition. He made a good impression and finished as the runner-up.

Owing to his good looks and muscular physique, it was only a matter of time before the 6-foot tall made the transition into the glitzy world of entertainment.

Anoop got an opportunity to work in Mahabharata, India's mythological magnum opus, which was telecast on STAR Plus in 2011. He was chosen to portray the character of King Dritarashtra in the serial. He was appreciated for the good work in the serial. Promptly, he named his twitter handle @DRITARASHTRA

A fitness freak, Anoop worked on his body and finished third at the Mr Asia event recently. In Bangkok, last week, he was up against bodybuilders from 47 nations. Anoop struck gold in the "fitness physique" category of the seventh WBPF World Bodybuilding and Physique Championships. Indians won 11 medals in Thailand.

Anoop is expected to make his film debut in Bollywood, Telugu and Marathi films soon.

"Hope my win helps Indians believe in the value of fitness. We can really make India proud," Anoop said on his arrival in India.

INDIA I am getting you a gold medal #Mr #world 2015 @Thailand #namo #pride #victory @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/tKlCr21mzT

- Thakur Anoop Singh (@DRITARASHTRA) November 28, 2015