Sanga, real name Saurav Gurjar, is an Indian professional wrestler and actor, currently signed to WWE. Active in the wrestling scene since 2011, he rose to prominence in WWE in 2018. Known for his impressive size—standing 6’8” and weighing around 300 lbs—Sanga competes on the Monday Night RAW brand. Alongside wrestling, he’s had success in Indian television and film, making him one of the few Indian personalities to balance dual careers in wrestling and acting.
Early Life and Background
Born on September 26, 1985, in Dabra, Madhya Pradesh, India, Gurjar originally pursued a career in kickboxing before transitioning into entertainment. His early acting roles in Indian mythological dramas such as Mahabharat (as Bheem) and Sankatmochan Mahabali Hanuman (as Ravan) made him a recognizable face in Indian households. He holds a Master’s degree in Physical Education from Maharshi Dayanand University.
Wrestling Journey
Gurjar’s wrestling debut came in 2011 with TNA’s India-based promotion Ring Ka King, where he played the heel character “Deadly Danda.” Despite the show’s short run, Gurjar made an impression. He later signed with WWE in 2018 and debuted on NXT alongside Rinku Singh (Veer) as part of the tag team Indus Sher. They were initially managed by Malcolm Bivens and feuded with stars like Matt Riddle.
Although they didn’t win titles during their NXT run, Sanga transitioned into a singles competitor after Veer moved to the main roster. He racked up some remarkable victories while being considered a mid-card powerhouse. Sanga went up to the main roster in 2023 after reuniting with Veer under Jinder Mahal’s guidance. While they have had a tough time getting TV exposure consistently, their pairing remains active.
Acting Career
Saurav had acted before and during his wrestling career and developed a formidable acting portfolio. Famous roles in Indian television were followed by some time on the silver screen in Bollywood’s mega blockbuster Brahmāstra: Part One alongside the likes of Amitabh Bachchan and Alia Bhatt. His film and TV work earned him a large fan following, particularly in India.
Personal Life and Trivia
Sanga is currently single and prefers to keep his private life away from the public eye. A huge admirer of WWE Hall of Famer Kane, Sanga uses the Chokeslam as a tribute. He’s also known to incorporate pop culture into his character, often referencing the famous “Jhukega Nahi” pose from the film Pushpa.
Achievements and Current Status
Although he hasn’t won titles in WWE yet, Sanga won the World Cup of Ring Ka King in 2012 with a team that included legends like Scott Steiner and Sonjay Dutt. His estimated net worth is around $5 million. He’s appeared in the WWE 2K24 video game and has a strong social media presence with over 1.4 million followers on Instagram.
