I'll pick Akshay Kumar as partner if I've to play match: WWE wrestler Jinder Mahal

Mumbai: The massive popularity of Dwayne Johnson or The Rock is just one example of the popularity of World Wreslting Entertainment (WWE) in India.

But not many would have imagined that even Indian wrestlers would also make the country proud on a global stage, as was evident with the exploits of The Great Khali in the ring.

Another wrestler of Indian origin, Jinder Mahal has followed in the footsteps of the Great Khali.

Mahal, along with other popular stars like Triple H are part of a WWE Live Tour being held recently.

Varun Dhawan was one of the Bollywood stars who bonded with Triple H and Mahal at an event in New Delhi few days ago.

Mahal’s association with Bollywood doesn’t end there, however, and the wrestler spoke about Bollywood stars in an interview with a leading daily.

“I had a huge crush on Aishwarya Rai while growing up — I used to love 'Taal' and I still watch it now and then. Junior Bachchan (Abhishek, the husband of Aishwarya) is a lucky man!” Mahal told Hindustan Times.

He added, “Even the men are amazing in Bollywood. Hrithik Roshan, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, and Salman Khan, all have amazing bodies, and I respect that. If I ever have to partner with one (of them) for a match, I’d pick Akshay Kumar because he is really fit and has a martial arts background. He’d be great inside the ring.”

The Great Khali went on to act in several international and Bollywood films and also appeared on Salman Khan’s ‘Bigg Boss’, and fans would hope that they see Jinder Mahal on the screen soon.