Sangay Tsheltrim
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Sangay Tsheltrim (born 1982) is a Bhutanese actor, bodybuilder, and former captain of the Royal Bodyguard of Bhutan. He won Mr. Bhutan in 2017 and gold at the Asian Bodybuilding Championships. He gained international fame through Bollywood films including Radhe with Salman Khan and Jawan with Shah Rukh Khan, becoming the most internationally recognized Bhutanese actor.
Early Life and Military Career
Sangay Tsheltrim was born on March 10, 1982, and grew up in Phuentsholing, a Bhutanese border town in Chhukha District. After completing his school education in 2001, he joined India's National Defence Academy (NDA) in Pune for officer training. He went on to serve as a captain in the Royal Bodyguard[4] of Bhutan, the elite unit responsible for protecting the royal family.
Bodybuilding
During his service in the Royal Bodyguard, Tsheltrim developed a passion for physical fitness, inspired by Arnold Schwarzenegger's films. After leaving the military, he pursued bodybuilding competitively. He won gold at the Asian Bodybuilding Championships in 2015 and was crowned Mr. Bhutan in 2017, establishing himself as Bhutan's most prominent athlete in the sport.
Acting Career
Bhutanese Film
Tsheltrim's acting debut came in the Bhutanese film Singye[5] (meaning "lion"), which became a major domestic hit.
Bollywood[1]
His imposing physique caught the attention of Bollywood producers. He made his Hindi film debut opposite Salman Khan in Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai (2021). He was then cast alongside Shah Rukh Khan in Jawan (2023), one of Bollywood's highest-grossing films. Tsheltrim has revealed he was also offered a role in Pathaan before Jawan.
His Bollywood success has made him the most internationally recognized Bhutanese actor and a source of national pride. He continues to work in both Bhutanese and Hindi cinema.
Legacy
Sangay Tsheltrim's journey from Royal Bodyguard to Bollywood represents an unprecedented path for a Bhutanese citizen. His success has brought global attention to Bhutan's tiny film industry and inspired a new generation of Bhutanese to pursue careers in entertainment and fitness.
References
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