Akhil Kumar is known to make his opponents dance to his tune in the ring, but as of now the ace pugilist is donning the different shoes. After having won many hearts by his adorable feats in the boxing ring, the man better known for his aggressive open guard boxing is now attracting many eyeballs on the dancing floor. The Arjuna Awardee is busy shaking his legs to Bollywood numbers with other celebrities in a dance reality show ‘Jhalak Dikhla Ja’.
The star pugilist, who is credited for raising the stature of boxing in India by his splendid performances in international arena, says that though he is a complete novice in the dancing arena, he gave a nod to the dance reality show as there was no major tournament lined up at this juncture.
“I said yes after taking permission from my coaches. I practice for my boxing in the morning and then I'm free to do my rehearsals,” said Akhil, adding that he chose this show as dance was a way to keep himself relaxed and fit.
“It’s a fantastic exercise. It not only relaxes me but also keep me fit. For last two years, I was very busy with boxing. I needed a break to relax. Dance is an active relaxation. After doing this show I have to resume boxing. I would not have to work much on my fitness as dance routines help me stay fit. This show is also a good promotion for boxing among masses. People would see a boxer dancing and would get attracted to boxing as well,” said the 2006 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, who is having a gala time learning all those complicated steps.
“I love the show. Dancing alongside celebrities and TV artists is something I never dreamt of,” said Akhil. And he is crazy about the show’s judge and yesteryears’ mega star Madhuri Dixit. “It is a dream come true to perform in front of the greatest actress and dancer of India. Since my childhood she has been my favorite actress. I never thought as a child that I would I ever get a chance to meet Madhuri ji. She is simply awesome,” he added.
He said, "It is not at all easy to perform. I practice five hours everyday. Dance also demands the similar amount of perspiration and inspiration as boxing does. It’s no fun. A person who is dedicated to dance can only dance.”
But how does it feel to be a star on a different platform? “It is a great feeling. Soon after the Beijing Olympic, life took a dramatic turn. People began to recognize me. I have also become a celebrity. I owe all this to my first love, boxing. It feels that 16 years of boxing have yielded something big for me,” said Akhil adding that he wanted to give back something to the sport which has given him fame and money.
“I have got so much from boxing. The fame, money and respect even the show I am dancing in. I too want to give something back to boxing. I am planning to open up a boxing training centre along with friends in the boxing fraternity. My aim is to not only train boxers but also to inculcate the feeling of respect and culture of boxing among them,” he informed.
By Vaibhav Tiwari
