Sham Kaushal’s surprise appearance on the mat
Veteran action director Sham Kaushal recently took a trip down memory lane, sharing a throwback photograph from the sets of Aamir Khan’s 2016 sports drama ‘Dangal’. The black-and-white image, posted on social media, captures him seated among wrestlers during a wrestling sequence. While many know him as the man who choreographed the film’s jaw-dropping action, few realised he also stepped in front of the camera for a brief role.
In the picture, Sham Kaushal is dressed in a traditional kurta-pyjama with a prominent moustache, playing an akhara guru. Sharing the memory, he wrote, ‘Someone shared this photo with me from DANGAL. I’m the Action Director for Dangal. Thanks @niteshtiwari22 for making me do a small role as akhara guru. Rab Rakha.’ The post sent fans into a nostalgic frenzy, with many surprised to learn of his on-screen appearance in the Nitesh Tiwari-directed blockbuster.
Four decades of action cinema and family fame
Sham Kaushal has been a stalwart in Bollywood’s action department for over four decades, working on critically acclaimed and commercially massive films. His resume includes hits like ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’, ‘Padmaavat’, ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’, ‘PK’, ‘Sanju’, ‘Tiger Zinda Hai’, ‘Raazi’, ‘Simmba’, ‘Dunki’, and ‘Animal’. But beyond his craft, he’s also known as the father of two rising Bollywood stars — Vicky Kaushal and Sunny Kaushal.
Vicky Kaushal, who married actress Katrina Kaif in 2021, has become one of the industry’s most sought-after talents. From his debut in ‘Masaan’ to his National Award-winning performance in ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’, and recent hits like ‘Chhaava’, he continues to dominate the box office. Sunny Kaushal, meanwhile, has carved his own niche with films like ‘Shiddat’, ‘Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga’, and ‘Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba’. The throwback photo serves as a sweet reminder of Sham’s own moment in the spotlight, even if it was brief.
A forgotten detail from a blockbuster’s making
The photograph has reignited interest in the lesser-known behind-the-scenes moments of ‘Dangal’, which remains one of Indian cinema’s biggest hits. Fans and industry insiders have praised Sham Kaushal for sharing this hidden gem, which highlights his versatility both behind and in front of the camera. While his work as action director is well-documented, this cameo adds a fun trivia for those who love revisiting the film’s iconic wrestling sequences.