From The Great Khali to Jinder Mahal to Veer Mahaan: Indian-origin wrestlers who made it big in WWE

Squid Game has become a phenomenon. The riveting Korean drama has become somewhat like a renaissance for the genre&nbsp;that has a fanbase all over the world. Well yes, BTS and Psy have been making major waves in&nbsp;music but Korean drama still commanded a niche audience.

Squid Game has changed that. The weird, at times whimsical series shocks you, keeps you on the edge of the seat and even makes you cry at times.

Amid all this, viewers have been able to pinpoint an aspect which, though not a dampner, may put Squid Game in the list of series depicting South Asians in a stereotypical light.

The character in question is Abdul Ali (A&nbsp;Pakistani played by Indian actor Anupam Tripathi).

Ali has a dishevelled appearance. Works in a factory. Has migrated to Korea to earn more money. He is not a man who you would call confident. He bows to other Korean characters again and again. Though this appears to be out of respect, it has hints of subservience.

To his credit, several characters tell him to stop calling them 'Sir' and to just use their actual names to address them. But Ali faces questions from another character that in effect enquires 'Do you even have a Korean visa?'

Ali's presence is a delight for a South Asian eye (and ear) as he occasionally breaks into Urdu/Hindi, that too in a Korean series. This may be a temporary relief for viewers who don't prefer subtitle-heavy viewing.

But Ali is expendable, he can be easily manipulated. He can be tricked easily. He is poor, heavily in debt and sight of money makes him bow repeatedly to other Korean characters.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-squid-games-anupam-tripathi-on-series-success-i-was-not-prepared-419548">Squid Game's Anupam Tripathi on series success: I was not prepared</a>

It cannot be denied that there may be people fitting this description across Indian subcontinent. But continued representation of this ethnicity in such a light remains a persistent issue. This, even when South Asians or people with such a heritage have conquered heights globally. US Vice-President Kamala Harris is the latest example.

After all these years,&nbsp;depiction of South Asians in popular media is still far from reality.

Such a representation is not new.

Take Apu from The Simpsons

<img alt="Apu The Simpsons" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1ce97a6a-6003-46c4-897b-232ab6d8f68e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Apu.JPG" />

(Image: Twitter)

The convenience store owner (voice by Hank Azaria himself) has a thick Indian accent. Has a habit of saying "Thank you. Come again" even in normal conversations outside his store. He and his wife have 'octuplets', eight children, apparently a dig at India's population crisis. The character has been in the cartoon series that has gone on for decades and assumed an iconic status.

Hank Azaria recently apologised for depicting Apu in such a way.

Raj from The Big Bang Theory

<img alt="The Big Bang Theory Raj Kunal Nayyar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="67f47e30-d97b-4f14-8210-0b05c32188a6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_8T9TD.jpg" />

(Actor Kunal Nayyar who played Raj in The Big Bang Theory)

The genius astrophysicist cannot talk to women without drinking alcohol. He is too too shy. He definitely is part of the main cast but focus is often on other characters. Raj is almost never a main player in the scheme of things. Raj is rich, is a master of his own life. But still faces a comment about him being from 'whichever third world country' in an episode.

Kingo from the Eternals

<img alt="Kumail Nanjiani Kingo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c2fae692-94ff-47ed-a80a-ae586c685e75" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1IL74I.jpg" />

Kumail Nanjiani hit headlines again when he was roped in to play Kingo in Marvel's Eternals. Yes, he is a cosmic being with incredible power at his disposal. But what is his day job? A Bollywood actor, who appears to take part in run-of-the-mill song-and-dance routing that 'Bollywood' has left behind decades ago.

Asok (From comic strip Dilbert)

<img alt="Asok. Dilbert" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bfb117a6-9d64-4afd-a9f3-8c86ebeb6f52" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/asok.JPG" />

(Image: Instagram)

Dilbert has a massive fan base among those who appreciate subtle, dry, office humour. Asok is a graduate from the Indian Institute of Technology. His IQ far exceeds that of his co-workers. He has a weird power of incinerating anyone just by thinking about it.

But he is robotic. Has a flat expression.

Time to quickly move on to wrestling

Jinder Mahal

<img alt="Jinder Mahal WWE" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="de1bed58-7b17-4171-adc9-5e91942050d9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Jinder%20Mahal.JPG" />

(Image: Instagram)

Name of the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) star itself begs the question, do Indians really have such&nbsp;names? Or this has been a&nbsp;manufactured one just to sound&nbsp;recognisable to Americans who associate India only with the Taj Mahal?

Maybe, just maybe, Priyanka Chopra is the only exception to all this. Though she can't be called a Hollywood A-lister yet, roles offered to her till now have not conformed to 'typical' image of an Indian woman prevalent in American minds.

Communities surely have peculiarities and even eccentricities. Problem arises when one is constantly depicted based on decades-old, worn out views no longer reflecting reality to its fullest extent. Things are not all bad, the perception is changing. But everyone is too tired to repeatedly point out that more needs to be done.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Squid Game has become a phenomenon. The riveting Korean drama has become somewhat like a renaissance for the genre that has a fanbase all over the world. Well yes, BTS and Psy have been making major waves in music but Korean drama still commanded a niche audience.

Squid Game has become a phenomenon. The riveting Korean drama has become somewhat like a renaissance for the genre that has a fanbase all over the world. Well yes, BTS and Psy have been making major waves in music but Korean drama still commanded a niche audience. Squid Game has changed that. The weird, at times whimsical series shocks you, keeps you on the edge of the seat and even makes you cry at times. Amid all this, viewers have been able to pinpoint an aspect which, though not a dampner, may put Squid Game in the list of series depicting South Asians in a stereotypical light. The character in question is Abdul Ali (A Pakistani played by Indian actor Anupam Tripathi). Ali has a dishevelled appearance. Works in a factory. Has migrated to Korea to earn more money. He is not a man who you would call confident. He bows to other Korean characters again and again. Though this appears to be out of respect, it has hints of subservience. To his credit, several characters tell him to stop calling them 'Sir' and to just use their actual names to address them. But Ali faces questions from another character that in effect enquires 'Do you even have a Korean visa?' Ali's presence is a delight for a South Asian eye (and ear) as he occasionally breaks into Urdu/Hindi, that too in a Korean series. This may be a temporary relief for viewers who don't prefer subtitle-heavy viewing. But Ali is expendable, he can be easily manipulated. He can be tricked easily. He is poor, heavily in debt and sight of money makes him bow repeatedly to other Korean characters. Also Read | Squid Game's Anupam Tripathi on series success: I was not prepared It cannot be denied that there may be people fitting this description across Indian subcontinent. But continued representation of this ethnicity in such a light remains a persistent issue. This, even when South Asians or people with such a heritage have conquered heights globally. US Vice-President Kamala Harris is the latest example. After all these years, depiction of South Asians in popular media is still far from reality. Such a representation is not new. Take Apu from The Simpsons (Image: Twitter) The convenience store owner (voice by Hank Azaria himself) has a thick Indian accent. Has a habit of saying "Thank you. Come again" even in normal conversations outside his store. He and his wife have 'octuplets', eight children, apparently a dig at India's population crisis. The character has been in the cartoon series that has gone on for decades and assumed an iconic status. Hank Azaria recently apologised for depicting Apu in such a way. Raj from The Big Bang Theory (Actor Kunal Nayyar who played Raj in The Big Bang Theory) The genius astrophysicist cannot talk to women without drinking alcohol. He is too too shy. He definitely is part of the main cast but focus is often on other characters. Raj is almost never a main player in the scheme of things. Raj is rich, is a master of his own life. But still faces a comment about him being from 'whichever third world country' in an episode. Kingo from the Eternals Kumail Nanjiani hit headlines again when he was roped in to play Kingo in Marvel's Eternals. Yes, he is a cosmic being with incredible power at his disposal. But what is his day job? A Bollywood actor, who appears to take part in run-of-the-mill song-and-dance routing that 'Bollywood' has left behind decades ago. Asok (From comic strip Dilbert) (Image: Instagram) Dilbert has a massive fan base among those who appreciate subtle, dry, office humour. Asok is a graduate from the Indian Institute of Technology. His IQ far exceeds that of his co-workers. He has a weird power of incinerating anyone just by thinking about it. But he is robotic. Has a flat expression. Time to quickly move on to wrestling Jinder Mahal (Image: Instagram) Name of the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) star itself begs the question, do Indians really have such names? Or this has been a manufactured one just to sound recognisable to Americans who associate India only with the Taj Mahal? Maybe, just maybe, Priyanka Chopra is the only exception to all this. Though she can't be called a Hollywood A-lister yet, roles offered to her till now have not conformed to 'typical' image of an Indian woman prevalent in American minds. Communities surely have peculiarities and even eccentricities. Problem arises when one is constantly depicted based on decades-old, worn out views no longer reflecting reality to its fullest extent. Things are not all bad, the perception is changing. But everyone is too tired to repeatedly point out that more needs to be done. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion | Squid Game reignites debate on stereotypical representation of South Asians

The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Live Event at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi on Saturday was a treat for the audience.&nbsp;

Even though &nbsp;Jinder Mahal&#39;s loss against Triple H disappointed many fans, other wrestling stars present on the occasion added glitz to the mesmerising night. Everyone present in the audience enjoyed the night as they cheered their favourite&nbsp;stars by chanting their names on top of their voices.

As Jinder was walking down the ramp after his defeat, Triple H called out his name and asked him to come back to the ring. He praised the &#39;Modern Day Maharaja&#39; for putting up a great fight and assured the home audience that India is in the capable hands of Jinder Mahal.

&nbsp;

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When a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bollywood?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bollywood</a> dance party ends with a pedigree. C&rsquo;mon <a href="https://twitter.com/TripleH?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tripleh</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWELiveIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WWELiveIndia</a> ????<a href="https://twitter.com/WWEIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WWEIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WWE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WWE</a> <a href="https://t.co/2KkTYpyfwe">pic.twitter.com/2KkTYpyfwe</a>
&mdash; Singh Brothers (@SinghBrosWWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/SinghBrosWWE/status/939881016847683585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2017</a></blockquote>
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While the crowd cheered for the Indian wrestler, the company COO, Triple H, went on to ask the Singh brothers, Jinder&#39;s accomplices, to dance in the ring. Jinder was quick to assess the celebratory mood and urged &#39;The Game&#39; to join in but the latter refused. However, upon some insistence from the Indian audience, Triple H too got in the act and did some &#39;Bhangra&#39; with Jinder and the Singh brothers.

&nbsp;

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The biggest match in Indian history between The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KingOfKings?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KingOfKings</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TripleH?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TripleH</a> and The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ModernDayMaharaja?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ModernDayMaharaja</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JinderMahal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JinderMahal</a> did NOT disappoint! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWEDelhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WWEDelhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/rYaC5fZnyP">https://t.co/rYaC5fZnyP</a>
&mdash; WWE (@WWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWE/status/939661003024977924?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Even though Jinder Mahal's loss against Triple H?disappointed many fans, other wrestling stars added to the mesmerising effect of the glitzy night

The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Live Event at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi on Saturday was a treat for the audience. Even though Jinder Mahal's loss against Triple H disappointed many fans, other wrestling stars present on the occasion added glitz to the mesmerising night. Everyone present in the audience enjoyed the night as they cheered their favourite stars by chanting their names on top of their voices. As Jinder was walking down the ramp after his defeat, Triple H called out his name and asked him to come back to the ring. He praised the 'Modern Day Maharaja' for putting up a great fight and assured the home audience that India is in the capable hands of Jinder Mahal. When a #Bollywood dance party ends with a pedigree. C’mon @tripleh! #WWELiveIndia ????@WWEIndia @WWE pic.twitter.com/2KkTYpyfwe — Singh Brothers (@SinghBrosWWE) December 10, 2017 × While the crowd cheered for the Indian wrestler, the company COO, Triple H, went on to ask the Singh brothers, Jinder's accomplices, to dance in the ring. Jinder was quick to assess the celebratory mood and urged 'The Game' to join in but the latter refused. However, upon some insistence from the Indian audience, Triple H too got in the act and did some 'Bhangra' with Jinder and the Singh brothers. The biggest match in Indian history between The #KingOfKings @TripleH and The #ModernDayMaharaja @JinderMahal did NOT disappoint! #WWEDelhi https://t.co/rYaC5fZnyP — WWE (@WWE) December 10, 2017 ×

Triple H mesmerises audience with his Bhangra moves at Indira Gandhi stadium in Delhi

Triple H won the much-anticipated WWE match against Jinder Mahal at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Delhi Saturday.&nbsp;

It was a high-intensity match with a lot of action with the crowd was divided between Jinder Mahal and Triple H.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/wwe-live-supershow-jinder-mahal-to-face-13-times-wwe-champion-triple-h-26311">WWE Live Supershow: Jinder Mahal to face 13-time&nbsp;WWE champion Triple H</a>

Although Jinder Mahal, with the help of the Singh brothers, had the upper hand for a fair portion of the match, all the years of experience showed&nbsp;when Triple H came out strong at the end and won the match.

After the match, Triple H praised Mahal saying he had earned triple H&#39;s respect and that India was in good hands with their &quot;Modern Day Maharaja&quot;.

Jinder Mahal thanked the audience in Punjabi for coming out in support of him and promised that&nbsp;the next time WWE comes to India, he will be champion.

Jinder Mahal thanked the audience in Punjabi for coming out in support of him and promised that the next time WWE comes to India he will be champion

Triple H won the much-anticipated WWE match against Jinder Mahal at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Delhi Saturday. It was a high-intensity match with a lot of action with the crowd was divided between Jinder Mahal and Triple H. Also read: WWE Live Supershow: Jinder Mahal to face 13-time WWE champion Triple H Although Jinder Mahal, with the help of the Singh brothers, had the upper hand for a fair portion of the match, all the years of experience showed when Triple H came out strong at the end and won the match. After the match, Triple H praised Mahal saying he had earned triple H's respect and that India was in good hands with their "Modern Day Maharaja". Jinder Mahal thanked the audience in Punjabi for coming out in support of him and promised that the next time WWE comes to India, he will be champion.

WWE Live Supershow: ?'King of Kings' Triple H beats 'Modern Maharaja' Jinder Mahal in front of his people

The country has set its eye on the much awaited World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Live Event- WWE Live Supershow.

The event is even more interesting for Indian fans as it is&nbsp;an Indian debut for Jinder Mahal in the main event of WWE Live Supershow.

Jinder Mahal will be competing against&nbsp;semi-retired, 13 times WWE champion Triple H.

The Last time Jinder Mahal visited India, it was in 2002 during WWE Indian tour.

The event is scheduled to be held in Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on Saturday, the expected time of the event to start is 05:00 pm IST.

Jinder will be accompanied by Singh brothers (Sunil and Samir) in the ringside.&nbsp;

Jinder Mahal also posted a video on Twitter saying that he will bow down to the &quot;modern Maharaja&quot; Jindal Mahal. 
&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The biggest match in Indian history is set. So <a href="https://twitter.com/TripleH?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TripleH</a> ... are YOU ready? <a href="https://twitter.com/WWEIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WWEIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/yOXkMfolkm">pic.twitter.com/yOXkMfolkm</a>
&mdash; The Maharaja (@JinderMahal) <a href="https://twitter.com/JinderMahal/status/933199634410934272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Some reports also state&nbsp;that The Great Khali could make an appearance as a special guest.

Apart from Triple H vs Jinder Mahal,&nbsp;The Shield: Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Dean Ambrose vs Samoa Joe and RAW Tag Team Champions Cesaro and Sheamus and&nbsp;Braun Strowman vs Kane, Finn Balor vs Bray Wyatt will face each other in the ring.

The two face off today at 5 pm at Delhi's Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium

The country has set its eye on the much awaited World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Live Event- WWE Live Supershow. The event is even more interesting for Indian fans as it is an Indian debut for Jinder Mahal in the main event of WWE Live Supershow. Jinder Mahal will be competing against semi-retired, 13 times WWE champion Triple H. The Last time Jinder Mahal visited India, it was in 2002 during WWE Indian tour. The event is scheduled to be held in Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on Saturday, the expected time of the event to start is 05:00 pm IST. Jinder will be accompanied by Singh brothers (Sunil and Samir) in the ringside. Jinder Mahal also posted a video on Twitter saying that he will bow down to the "modern Maharaja" Jindal Mahal. The biggest match in Indian history is set. So @TripleH ... are YOU ready? @WWEIndia pic.twitter.com/yOXkMfolkm — The Maharaja (@JinderMahal) November 22, 2017 × Some reports also state that The Great Khali could make an appearance as a special guest. Apart from Triple H vs Jinder Mahal, The Shield: Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Dean Ambrose vs Samoa Joe and RAW Tag Team Champions Cesaro and Sheamus and Braun Strowman vs Kane, Finn Balor vs Bray Wyatt will face each other in the ring.

WWE Live Supershow: Jinder Mahal to face 13-time WWE champion Triple H

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From The Great Khali to Jinder Mahal to Veer Mahaan: Indian-origin wrestlers who made it big in WWE

Opinion | Squid Game reignites debate on stereotypical representation of South Asians

Triple H mesmerises audience with his Bhangra moves at Indira Gandhi stadium in Delhi

WWE Live Supershow: ?'King of Kings' Triple H beats 'Modern Maharaja' Jinder Mahal in front of his people

WWE Live Supershow: Jinder Mahal to face 13-time WWE champion Triple H