Bollywood action hero Dara Singh dies at 84

MUMBAI, India – Doctors say Indian wrestler and Bollywood action hero Dara Singh has died at his Mumbai home days after suffering a severe heart attack and stroke. He was 84.

Film stars and politicians praised the Bollywood strongman, while the government said it was “deeply saddened” by his death.

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A young Singh competed in professional freestyle wrestling tournaments before turning to acting in the 1950s. He appeared in dozens of films, but is best known for his TV series portrayal of the Hindu monkey god Hanuman.

Singh also served in India’s upper house of parliament for the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party from 2003 to 2009.

He died Thursday at his home after suffering a heart attack last week. Dr. R.K. Agarwal says Singh wished to “be at his home between his family.”