Both boxing and doing films are equally tough: Vijender

‘Boxing is all about being aggressive and maintaining a tempo while you are in the ring. I film-making I realised how important it was to take a step back and be patient.’

All set to make the transition from boxing ring to the silver screen, star Indian pugilist Vijender Singh says the tryst with movies has helped him realise the importance of team work after carving his identity in an individual sport.

India’s first boxer to win a medal in the Olympics and World Championships, Vijender is set to foray into Bollywood with Fugly, a social thriller backed by Superstar Akshay Kumar.

"Being part of a film for the first time, I realised the importance of team work because my sport is essentially an individual sport in which the onus is completely on me. So it was a good experience to work in a team and learn to be patient," Vijender told Press Trust of India.

"Boxing is all about being aggressive and maintaining a tempo while you are in the ring, but in film-making I realised how important it was to take a step back and be patient. In the final analysis, both boxing and doing films are equally tough," added the former world No 1.

The trailer of Fugly was recently released amid much fanfare and, by the look of it, the film comes across as a comic thriller on the lives of four carefree friends.

Noted actor Jimmy Shergill plays a rustic police officer. A chance encounter with him dramatically alters the lives of the four central characters.

"It has comedy, it is a thriller also; all I can say is it would be thoroughly enjoyable. It portrays Delhi in a manner which has never been done before. I play the role of Gaurav, a typical Delhi guy who comes from a political family," he explained.

"Gaurav is slightly cocky and uses the language which is common for well-connected youngsters in Delhi.

'Do you know who my father is?'

This is something which is typically Delhi and this is how Gaurav is. To play this role, I relied on my experience of being in Delhi because, in real life, I am just the opposite," said the strapping six-footer from Haryana.

Vijender said the makers of the film took him on board only after screening his abilities in an audition.

"I auditioned for the role, which is a normal process before anybody is signed on. But I did not attend any acting workshops after that to prepare because I wasn't nervous about it. I guess, being a sportsperson, adapting to something new comes naturally me," he laughed.

Although his movie debut has come now, Vijender harboured cinematic ambitions even while sweating it out to succeed in boxing.

"It is like all my dreams are coming true one by one. I am so glad that I am getting what I wanted in life. I come from a small village and to make it this far has been a very rewarding experience," the 28-year-old confessed.

But for all the hype surrounding his movie debut, Vijender remains focussed on his boxing career as well.

"I will join the national camp on the 15th of this month. The Commonwealth Games are coming up followed by the Asian Games, I am focussed on that also," said Vijender, referring to the two quadrennial events scheduled in July and September respectively.