Bodybuilding in Bhutan to a Bollywood blockbuster

HOW SALMAN KHAN INSPIRED SANGAY TSHELTRIM  

Tsheltrim got his big Bollywood break working on 2021 action blockbuster Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai.

The royal guard turned professional bodybuilder made a major impact in the movie headlined by his idol Salman Khan and is now being lined up for more big-screen projects. Although he wants to work in projects globally, the muscle-bound star also wants to develop the movie industry in Bhutan and is looking forward to more challenges.

Eastern Eye caught up with Sangay Tsheltrim to discuss his Bollywood debut, working with Salman Khan and future hopes. He also gave a good motivational and health tip.

How did you go from being in the military to the acting field?

When I was a kid, I always wanted to have a great body. So, when I was in the army that’s when I started working out in the gym and on my muscles. When I was a part of the royal bodyguard clan, I voluntarily took retirement to pursue my passion in bodybuilding and represented my country in the international arena. I completed five years in professional bodybuilding and that’s when my friends encouraged me to become an action hero. I just wanted to give myself a try and see how it goes. That’s how I landed up in acting.

How was the experience of working in Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai?

Even though I had done a movie back in my country in 2018, I am very new to this profession as an actor. Radhe was a very good experience and great exposure as the scale of production was huge. So, it was great.

What was it like working with Salman Khan?

I was a big fan of Salman sir since his movie, Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya. There was a particular song sequence in the film where he goes bare bodied and ever since then I wanted to have a great body. And that’s how he inspired me. He’s a great human being. Working with him and sharing the screen space with him is something I consider a big achievement for myself. I feel lucky and blessed that I got to know him personally, and at the same time share the screen space with such a huge megastar.

So, Salman Khan inspired you to get into bodybuilding?

Yes, he did. I was very skinny as a teenager. Looking at him I took up the decision of building up my body.

How did you go about playing a villain when you are such a nice guy? 

It wasn’t about how I am, but all about my appearance. It was about my physique and overall screen presence that fit into the character. I think because of all these factors I could justify the role without any issue.

Sangay Tsheltrim with Salman Khan

What is the master plan going forward?

I do not have any master plan and just want to go with the flow! Radhe was never planned, and I am not an actor by profession. I have got a business back home and own the biggest gym in my country called The Muscle Factory and am also into real estate. I do have my own production house and want to produce my own films back in my country. So, if I happen to get good offers and roles, which I am right now, I will take them up. I am getting offers and meeting people. I’ll see if I can take up the role or not, Covid permitting. If they’re good enough, I’ll do them.

Do you have a dream role?

I don’t have any dream role as of now. But I would love to play an army officer on-screen because I love my uniform. I miss my uniform, so it won’t be much of a problem and I will always have that upper hand over other actors. My genre is action, so I would love to do more movies in that space.

You are a fitness icon in Bhutan, so would you give us a good fitness tip?

The basic fitness tip I would give is, do half an hour of cardiovascular exercise in the gym. And do some resistance exercise. If you can go to the gym good enough! But if not, then do push ups and pull ups in order to keep your muscles active. The main important thing is diet; most of us don’t eat on time, which is very unhealthy. Eat a balanced diet and get some good advice on this from someone with knowledge in this area.

Will you give us a motivational tip? 

Life is very precious, do not waste it! Set a goal; if you don’t set a goal, you will not have a journey towards your goal. In that journey you will come across a lot of obstacles, ups and downs. You will fail several times but always remember never give up! You will fail, but don’t quit. No matter how many times you fail one day you will succeed if you don’t give up.

What inspires you?

I take my inspiration from the majesty of Bhutan. My king struggles, has sleepless nights and lives for the country and people of Bhutan. That is the reason why all the people of Bhutan derive inspiration from him.