Vijender Singh Sets Sights on an Oscar!

He is a feared fighter in the boxing ring. Vijender Singh however is an equally stylish hero in his new role - acting in a Bollywood film titled Fugly. Making his acting debut, the 2008 Beijing Olympic medalist says while his love-affair with boxing continues, the 'love-triangle' in the script may have acting as an important part in his life too.

In an interview to Times of India, the 28-year-old said that being in front of the camera was an enormous challenge. "Acting is like a deep ocean and has a lot of variety to offer in terms of characters. I hope my debut film is a hit and I get more projects in Bollywood," he said. "I am aiming for Oscars. Logon ne kaha National jeet ke dikhao, hum Olympic jeet ke aaye. To ab film award kya, Oscar jeet ke aaenge," the 28-year-old added. (Read full interview here)

Vijender feels having Bollywood superstars Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar in his debut film was an enormous motivation. "When your first movie has names like Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar, what else do you need?" he said. "Salman is a great boxer and is so fit. As for Akshay, he is my mentor. I like the fact that he is fighting fit and is self-made."

While Salman and Akshay may have brought out the best in him, Vijender said that other sportspersons who turned into successful actors also taught him a lot. "It's a myth that sportspersons can't act. Tyson, Rock, Muhammad Ali and the likes have shown that sportspersons can do well in movies too. So why can't I make my space in Bollywood?" he wondered.

While acting may have taken up a lot of time from his busy schedule, Vijender said that boxing continues to be his primary focus. "I am preparing for the Commonwealth Games in Scotland. I will compete on July 28."