The conversation around whether WWE is “racist towards India” resurfaces every time an Indian talent is underused, stereotyped, or abruptly released—but very few voices are as qualified to weigh in as Saurav Gurjar. Standing 6’8", known globally as Sanga in WWE and Bhima in Mahabharat, Saurav’s journey from Indian television and combat sports to the world’s biggest wrestling company offers a grounded, insider view of how Indian performers are really treated, what obstacles they face, and what part the system—and the talent—each play.
From Kickboxing Champion to Global Performer
Before stepping into WWE, Saurav was already a proven athlete, winning a national gold medal in kickboxing and building a reputation as a legitimate fighter. His first taste of mainstream Indian entertainment came through the reality show “Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega,” where his size and presence immediately stood out, planting the seed for a larger-than-life career. That early exposure taught him how to perform for cameras, engage crowds, and blend physicality with showmanship—skills that later became essential in both TV serials and wrestling.Mahabharat, Brahmastra, and the Power of Bhima
Saurav’s portrayal of Bhima in Mahabharat turned him into a household name across India, making him synonymous with strength, loyalty, and epic-scale storytelling. He shares how life on Indian TV sets—long shooting hours, demanding physical scenes, and the emotional weight of mythological roles—toughened him mentally long before he signed with WWE. Later, appearing in a big-budget film like Brahmastra expanded his visibility beyond television, proving that he could transition between TV, cinema, and eventually global sports entertainment while staying rooted in Indian culture.Cracking WWE: Opportunity, Stereotypes, and Reality
When Saurav finally stepped into WWE’s system, it came with a mix of excitement and harsh realities. He highlights how WWE is a business driven by stories, characters, and television metrics, not just athletic background—meaning Indian talents must navigate language barriers, cultural differences, and creative expectations that don’t always align with their own identities. He acknowledges that Indian performers are often slotted into stereotypical roles—“monsters,” “foreign giants,” or culturally exaggerated characters—but also points out that this happens with many non-American talents, not just Indians.On the sensitive topic of racism, Saurav’s stance is nuanced rather than explosive. He suggests that what many fans call “racism” can sometimes be a mix of limited creative vision, a lack of Indian representation in decision-making positions, and the commercial pressure to simplify characters for a largely Western audience. At the same time, he emphasizes personal responsibility: to learn the system, improve communication, and consistently prove value so that decision-makers see more than just size, accent, or nationality.
