The Great Khali

Rana was born into a Rajput family to parents Jwala Ram and Tandi Devi in the village of Dhiraina, located in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh.{{cite web |title=Khali says i am rajput | date=9 March 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpaxh3bStSQ |via=YouTube |quote=0:13 where says 'I am a Rajput' in Hindi}}{{cite news |date=10 February 2022 |title=Punjab Assembly Elections 2022: Ex-WWE wrestler 'The Great Khali' joins BJP in political debut |url=https://www.firstpost.com/politics/punjab-assembly-elections-2022-ex-wwe-wrestler-the-great-khali-joins-bjp-in-political-debut-10363911.html |access-date=19 February 2022 |work=Firstpost |language=en}}{{cite news |date=22 June 2021 |title=WWE star The Great Khali's mother no more, wrestler himself carried her to hospital |url=https://zeenews.india.com/photos/sports/wwe-star-the-great-khalis-mother-no-more-wrestler-himself-carried-her-to-hospital-2370905/khalis-early-struggles-in-life-2370908 |access-date=26 May 2023 |work=Zee News}} He was one of seven siblings in a financially struggling household and worked various odd jobs in his youth to support his family.{{cite news |date=29 July 2012 |title=WWE Star Great Khali's Growth-Inducing Tumor Removed |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Health/star-wrestler-great-khali-tumor-removed-caused-size/story?id=16874060 |access-date=14 March 2016 |work=ABC News}}

Rana has acromegaly, a hormonal disorder that results in abnormal growth, including gigantism and pronounced facial features such as jaw protrusion. While working as a security guard in Shimla, he was noticed by a police officer{{Specify|date=October 2022}} from the neighbouring state of Punjab. The officer, known for mentoring athletes within the Punjab Police, facilitated Rana’s recruitment into the Punjab Police force in 1993, where he began training in sports and physical fitness at a more serious level.{{cite news |last1=Mullick |first1=Rohit |date=30 March 2008 |title=Khali still on Punjab police pay rolls |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2910680.cms |access-date=15 June 2008 |work=The Times of India}}{{cite web |last1=Lashand |first1=Ricky |title=Officers towered by The Great Khali |url=https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/southbrisbane/2018/10/25/officers-towered-by-the-great-khali/ |access-date=25 April 2025 |website=Queensland Police}}

Competing under the ring name Giant Singh, Rana began his professional wrestling career with All Pro Wrestling (APW), based in the San Francisco Bay Area. He made his debut in October 2000.

On 28 May 2001, APW trainee Brian Ong died after receiving a flapjack maneuver from Singh during a training session. Ong had previously sustained a concussion earlier that day but was encouraged to continue by APW staff, who had reportedly criticized him for not avoiding injuries. It was later determined that Ong had not been provided with proper protective equipment or adequate medical supervision. The second concussion ultimately proved fatal. Although Singh was not held personally liable, Ong’s family filed a lawsuit against APW. A jury found the promotion liable for recklessness and awarded the Ong family $1.3 million in damages.{{cite web |title=The Great Khali and Brian Ong |url=http://www.greatkhali.net/the_great_Khali_and_brian_ong.htm |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091223035010/http://www.greatkhali.net/the_great_Khali_and_brian_ong.htm |archive-date=23 December 2009 |access-date=17 January 2010 |publisher=greatkhali.net |df=mdy-all}}

During this period, Rana also briefly signed a contract with World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he spent time in training and development. However, his tenure was cut short when WCW was acquired by its rival, the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), in March 2001.{{cite web |title=The Great Khali: From WWE ring to Jalandhar's akhada |url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/sports/the-great-khali-from-wwe-ring-to-jalandhars-akhada.html |work=The Pioneer (India)}}

Later in 2001, Rana received an offer to join New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he once again competed under the ring name Giant Singh. Teaming with fellow giant wrestler Giant Silva, the duo formed what was billed as the tallest tag team in professional wrestling history, with an average height of 7 feet 1 inch and a combined weight of 805 pounds. They debuted at the Tokyo Dome in October 2001, introduced as Club 7 by Masahiro Chono, and won a two-on-four handicap match.{{cite web |title=Indicate of Next results |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/newjapan/tokyodome05.html#1001 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070718171901/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/newjapan/tokyodome05.html#1001 |archive-date=18 July 2007 |access-date=10 February 2008 |publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments}} Singh suffered his first recorded loss at Wrestling World 2002 in January during a tag team match.{{cite web |title=Wrestling World 2002 results |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/newjapan/tokyodome05.html#0102 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070718171901/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/japan/newjapan/tokyodome05.html#0102 |archive-date=18 July 2007 |access-date=10 February 2008 |publisher=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments}} His most notable loss during this period came in August at the Nippon Budokan, where, after a falling out with Silva, he was defeated by his former tag team partner in a singles match.

From 2002 to 2006, Singh continued to wrestle internationally, competing in Mexico for Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) and in Japan for All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW).{{cite web |author=Philip Kreikenbohm |title=AJPW 2ND WRESTLE-1 |url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=16564 |publisher=cagematch.net}}

File:Greatkhali.jpg

On 2 January 2006, Rana became the first Indian professional wrestler to be signed to a contract by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE).{{cite news |author=Ray, Shantanu Guha |date=6 May 2006 |title=Giant wrestler finds fame in India |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7384920.stm |access-date=6 May 2008 |publisher=BBC}} He was assigned to their developmental territory, Deep South Wrestling, where he competed under his real name.

The Great Khali made his television debut accompanied by Daivari on the 21 April episode of SmackDown!, where he attacked The Undertaker, beginning a storyline rivalry.{{cite web |title=SmackDown results – 7 April 2006 |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060407.html |access-date=23 September 2007 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling.com}} Two weeks later, he competed in his first televised match, decisively defeating Funaki.{{cite web |title=SmackDown results – 21 April 2006 |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060421.html |access-date=23 September 2007 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling.com}} In May, Khali continued to be presented as a dominant force, defeating World Heavyweight Champion Rey Mysterio in a non-title bout.{{cite web |title=SmackDown results – 12 May 2006 |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060512.html |access-date=23 September 2007 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling.com}} On 21 May at Judgment Day, he gained a notable victory over The Undertaker.{{cite web |author=Williams, Ed III |date=21 May 2006 |title=The Great Khali makes Undertaker rest in peace |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/history/2006/matches/23848443/results/ |access-date=5 January 2008 |publisher=WWE}} Khali was scheduled to face The Undertaker in a Punjabi Prison match at The Great American Bash on 23 July but was replaced by Big Show after being deemed medically unable to compete. Despite Khali's interference during the match, The Undertaker secured the win. Khali experienced his first televised loss on the 16 August episode of SmackDown! in a Last Man Standing match against The Undertaker.{{cite web |title=SmackDown results – 18 August 2006 |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060818.html |access-date=23 September 2007 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling.com}}

Khali began a short feud with Kane in early 2007, culminating in a victory at WrestleMania 23 on 1 April.{{cite web |title=SmackDown results – 23 February 2007 |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/070223.html |access-date=2 May 2012 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}{{cite web |title=WrestleMania results – 1 April 2007 |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/wrestlemania23.html |access-date=23 September 2007 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling.com}} The following month, he entered a storyline involving John Cena's WWE Championship, earning a title match by defeating Shawn Michaels on an episode of Raw.{{cite web |title=RAW results – 30 April 2007 |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070430.html |access-date=23 September 2007 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling.com}}{{cite web |title=RAW results – 7 May 2007 |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070507.html |access-date=23 September 2007 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling.com}} Khali was defeated by Cena at Judgment Day.{{cite web |title=Judgement Day results 2007 |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/judgementday07.html |access-date=23 September 2007 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling.com}} The next night on Raw, Ranjin Singh was introduced as Khali's new manager and translator.{{cite web |title=RAW results – 21 May 2007 |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/070521.html |access-date=23 September 2007 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling.com}} Their rivalry continued at One Night Stand on 3 June, where Khali once again lost to Cena in a Falls Count Anywhere match.{{cite web |title=One Night Stand 2007 results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/ecwonenightstand07.html |access-date=23 September 2007 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling.com}}

Khali won the vacant World Heavyweight Championship by emerging victorious in a 20-man battle royal on the 20 July episode of SmackDown!.{{cite web |title=SmackDown results – 20 July 2007 results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/070720.html |access-date=23 September 2007 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling.com}} He went on to successfully defend the title against Batista and Kane in a triple threat match at The Great American Bash,{{cite web |title=The Great American Bash 2007 results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/greatamericanbash07.html |access-date=23 September 2007 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling.com}} and again against Batista at SummerSlam on 26 August, retaining the championship despite losing the match by disqualification.{{cite web |title=SummerSlam 2007 results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/summerslam07.html |access-date=23 September 2007 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling.com}} Khali’s reign ended at Unforgiven on 16 September, where he lost the title to Batista in a triple threat match also involving Rey Mysterio.{{cite news |title=Unforgiven 2007 Results |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/matches/ |access-date=16 September 2007 |newspaper=Wwe |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}} The following month, he challenged Batista for the championship in a Punjabi Prison match at No Mercy, but was unsuccessful.{{cite web |title=No Mercy 2007 results |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/matches/52672881/results/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011001325/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/matches/52672881/results/ |archive-date=11 October 2007 |access-date=8 October 2007 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}

In late 2007 and early 2008, Khali was involved in a storyline with Finlay, frequently attempting to intimidate or attack Hornswoggle, only to be thwarted by Finlay. He participated in the Elimination Chamber match at No Way Out on 17 February but failed to earn a World Heavyweight Championship opportunity at WrestleMania XXIV. Instead, at WrestleMania on 30 March, he competed in a 24-man battle royal for a chance at the ECW Championship but was unsuccessful. Khali then entered a brief feud with Big Show, culminating in a match at Backlash on 27 April, where Big Show secured the win.{{cite web |last=Clayton |first=Corey |date=27 April 2008 |title=Big Show wins mammoth matchup |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/matches/6842782/results/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501145517/http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/matches/6842782/results/ |archive-date=1 May 2008 |access-date=26 July 2008 |publisher=WWE}}

In July, Khali began a rivalry with Triple H over the WWE Championship. On the 25 July episode of SmackDown!, he won a battle royal to become the number one contender for the title at SummerSlam.{{cite web |date=25 July 2008 |title=SmackDown: A woman's scorn, a Deadman reborn |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/results/ |access-date=26 July 2008 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}} At the event on 17 August, Khali was defeated by Triple H.

File:The Great Khali (9401098694).jpg

In October, Khali became involved in a brief comedic storyline with stunt performer Johnny Knoxville. During an interview featured on Knoxville’s website, Khali took offence to some of his remarks and issued a threat of retaliation.{{Cite news |title=The Great Khali storms off Jackassworld.com's set |url=https://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/news/khalijackass |work=WWE |date=3 October 2008 |access-date=5 May 2025}} He later invited Knoxville to appear on an episode of Raw, only to attack him during the segment. Following this, Khali adopted a more lighthearted on-screen persona and gradually became a fan favourite. Alongside his manager Ranjin Singh, he began hosting the weekly "Khali Kiss Cam" segment, during which Singh would invite seemingly random women from the audience to enter the ring and kiss Khali.

Khali began a feud with Dolph Ziggler in mid-2009, which led to a match at The Bash on 28 June. He was defeated following interference from Kane, sparking a subsequent rivalry between the two.{{cite web |last=Elliott |first=Brian |date=29 June 2009 |title=Mysterio & Jericho save The Bash from wash-out |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/06/29/9968166.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143632/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/06/29/9968166.html |archive-date=29 June 2012 |access-date=27 July 2009 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} This culminated in matches against Kane at SummerSlam on 23 August and Breaking Point on 13 September, both of which Khali lost.{{cite web |last=Raymond |first=Katie A. |date=23 August 2009 |title=Results:Diabolical destruction |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2009/matches/9352646/results/ |access-date=23 August 2009 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}Raymond, Katie A. (23 August 2009) [https://web.archive.org/web/20100410063254/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/matches/9352646/results/ Results: Diabolical destruction]. WWE. Shortly afterward, he was written off television to undergo knee surgery.{{cite web |title=The Great Khali Keen surgery |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_35358.shtml |access-date=4 October 2009 |publisher=PWTorch}} While recovering, Khali made a surprise appearance alongside on the 2 November episode of Raw, joining Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne as a guest judge for the "Raw's Got Talent" segment.{{cite web |last=Plummer |first=Dale |date=3 November 2007 |title=RAW: Superstars ride a Crazy Train with Ozzy |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/11/03/11612636.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120731063620/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/11/03/11612636.html |archive-date=31 July 2012 |access-date=2 May 2012 |work=Slam! Sports |publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web |date=3 December 2009 |title=Jerishow punish Cena on RAW |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,14203_5671623,00.html |access-date=24 December 2009 |publisher=Sky Sports}} He returned to in-ring competition in December. On the 19 April 2010 episode of Raw, Khali appeared as "Khaluber" (parody of MacGruber) teaming with guest host Will Forte (as MacGruber) in a handicap match against Vladimir Kozlov, which they won.{{cite web |last=Gardner |first=James |date=20 April 2010 |title=MacGruber to the Rescue for Ash Kicked WWE |url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local-beat/ashwwe-91586634.html |access-date=10 May 2010 |publisher=NBC New York}}{{cite news |last=Steinberg |first=Jacques |date=9 May 2010 |title=Celebrity Guest Hosts Find Fans, and Some Fun, in 'Raw's' Ring |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/10/business/media/10wrestle.html |access-date=10 May 2010 |work=The New York Times}}

At WrestleMania XXVII on 3 April 2011, Khali won a pre-show battle royal.{{cite web |title=Results:The Great Khali won the Over-the-Top-Rope WrestleMania Battle Royal |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemaniaxxvii/over-the-top-rope-battle-royal |access-date=5 April 2011 |publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}} He was later involved in a storyline with Jinder Mahal, which led to the two forming an on-screen alliance. The partnership lasted until September, when they failed to capture the WWE Tag Team Championship, leading to the end of their alliance.{{cite web |last=Burdick |first=Michael |title=SmackDown results: From dreamer to something meaner |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2011-05-27/25018171 |publisher=WWE}} The following year, Khali competed in the World Heavyweight Championship Elimination Chamber match at the namesake event in February but was unsuccessful.{{cite web |last=Giannini |first=Alex |date=19 February 2012 |title=World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan won the SmackDown Elimination Chamber Match |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2012/smackdown-elimination-chamber-2012 |access-date=19 February 2012 |publisher=WWE}} At WrestleMania XXVIII, he took part in a 12-man tag team match, which his team lost.{{cite web |author=Burdick, Michael |date=23 March 2012 |title=Zack def Swagger |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2012-03-23/results/page-5 |access-date=18 March 2012 |publisher=WWE}} He competed in the inaugural André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania XXX on 6 April 2014, but did not win.{{cite web |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |title=WWE Wrestlemania 30 live coverage & results: The Streak is over, Daniel Bryan's reign begins |url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/96-wwe/36326-wrestlemania-live-coverage-from-the-superdome-in-new-orleans |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701230803/http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/96-wwe/36326-wrestlemania-live-coverage-from-the-superdome-in-new-orleans |archive-date=1 July 2015 |access-date=10 April 2014 |work=Wrestling Observer}} Khali's contract with WWE expired on 13 November 2014, after which he departed the company.[http://www.pwinsider.com/article/89572/great-khali-update.html?p=1 "GREAT KHALI UPDATE | PWInsider.com"]. pwinsider.com.

In February 2015, Khali founded Continental Wrestling Entertainment (CWE), a professional wrestling promotion and training academy based in Jalandhar, Punjab.{{cite web |title=FORMER WWE STAR PRODUCES FIRST ALL-INDIAN WRESTLING PRODUCTION IN INDIA |url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/98404/former-wwe-star-produces-first-allindian-wrestling-production-in-india.html |publisher=PWInsider.com}} The promotion held its first event on 12 December 2015. Among its trainees, Dilsher Shanky and Kavita Devi later signed with WWE, marking CWE as a significant stepping stone for Indian talent.

Since 2017, Khali has made occasional appearances for WWE. He returned at Battleground on 23 July 2017, assisting WWE Champion Jinder Mahal in defeating Randy Orton during a Punjabi Prison match.{{cite web |last1=Powell |first1=Jason |date=23 July 2017 |title=7/23 Powell's WWE Battleground Live Review: Jinder Mahal vs. Randy Orton in a Punjabi Prison match for the WWE Championship, AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens for the U.S. Championship, John Cena vs. Rusev in a flag match |url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2017/07/23/723-powells-wwe-battleground-live-review-jinder-mahal-vs-randy-orton-punjabi-prison-match-wwe-championship-aj-styles-vs-kevin-owens-u-s-championship-john-cena-vs-rusev/ |access-date=23 July 2017 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} In April 2018, he took part in the Greatest Royal Rumble match in Jedda, Saudi Arabia, but was eliminated.{{cite web |last1=Powell |first1=Jason |date=27 April 2018 |title=Powell's WWE Greatest Royal Rumble live review: 50-man Royal Rumble match, Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns in a cage match for the WWE Universal Championship, AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for the WWE Championship, John Cena vs. Triple H, Undertaker vs. Rusev in a casket match |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/27/powells-wwe-greatest-royal-rumble-live-review-50-man-royal-rumble-match-brock-lesnar-vs-roman-reigns-in-a-cage-match-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-aj-styles-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-for-the-ww/ |access-date=27 April 2018 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} In recognition of his contributions to the company, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2021.{{cite news |last1=Melok |first1=Bobby |date=24 March 2021 |title=The Great Khali to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-hall-of-fame/wwe-hall-of-fame-2021/article/great-khali-wwe-hall-of-fame-class-2021 |access-date=25 May 2024 |work=WWE}} Khali made another special appearance at WWE Superstar Spectacle in 2023.

From October 2010 to January 2011, Khali appeared as a contestant on the Indian reality television show Bigg Boss (season 4), where he finished as the first runner-up. Due to his size, the show made special accommodations for him, including a custom-built bed.[http://movies.rediff.com/interview/2010/oct/15/why-khali-is-looking-forward-to-bigg-boss-tv.htm "Why The Great Khali is looking forward to Bigg Boss"] Rediff, 15 October 2010 In 2011, he made guest appearances on international television, including a brief cameo in episode 18 of NBC’s Outsourced, and as Atog, a rock-smashing giant, in the Disney Channel series Pair of Kings.Medalis, Kara A. (16 April 2011) [https://web.archive.org/web/20110419065854/http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/great-khali-pair-of-kings The Great Khali on "Pair of Kings"]. WWE

Khali has also made appearances on various Indian comedy and talk shows, including Aap Ki Adalat, Comedy Nights with Kapil, Comedy Nights Bachao, and The Kapil Sharma Show.

In addition to television, Khali has acted in several films, both in Hollywood and Indian cinema. He made his film debut in 2005 as Turley in The Longest Yard, followed by roles in Get Smart (2008), MacGruber (2010), and the Indian films Kushti (2010), Ramaa: The Saviour (2010), and HOUBA! On the Trail of the Marsupilami (2012). In 2023, he appeared in the Bangladeshi action thriller MR-9: Do or Die.

Rana married Harminder Kaur in 2002.{{cite web |date=8 March 2016 |title=The Great Khali is head over heels in love with his wife, Harminder Kaur, who he has been married to since 2002. |url=https://hitberry.com/the-great-khali-is-head-over-heels-in-love-with-his-wife-harminder-kaur-who-he-has-been-married-to-since-2002/ |access-date=9 August 2017}} The couple has two children: a daughter, born in February 2014, and a son, born in November 2023.{{cite news |last1=Kalra |first1=Shalender |date=26 February 2014 |title=Wrestler Khali's wife gives birth to daughter in US |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/wrestler-khali-s-wife-gives-birth-to-daughter-in-us/story-or1gGSG6frdxwF0qYhcStO.html |access-date=17 November 2023 |work=Hindustan Times}}{{cite news |last1=Dhakite |first1=Akash |date=17 November 2023 |title=Congratulations to WWE Hall of Famer The Great Khali |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-congratulations-wwe-hall-famer-the-great-khali |access-date=17 November 2023 |work=Sportskeeda |language=en-us}}

He has been described as deeply spiritual and a follower of Indian spiritual leader Ashutosh Maharaj.{{cite web |date=27 March 2008 |title=The Great Khali Speaks On WWE Career, His Diet, Religion, More |url=http://rajah.com/base/node/11832 |access-date=28 March 2008 |publisher=Rajah}}[http://iskconmauritius.com/node/1399 "Great Khali Appreciates Iskon"], Iskcon Mauritius, 16 March 2011, [https://web.archive.org/web/20121011040903/http://iskconmauritius.com/node/1399 Archive] Known for his disciplined lifestyle, Rana meditates daily and abstains from alcohol and tobacco.Guha-Ray, Shantanu. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7384920.stm "Giant wrestler finds fame in India"], BBC News, 6 May 2008, [https://web.archive.org/web/20111022204657/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7384920.stm Archive][http://www.dnaindia.com/india/special-the-man-who-made-the-great-khali-1163493 "The man who made the Great Khali"]. dna. He originally suggested the ring name "Khali" as a reference to the Hindu goddess Kali, associated with eternal energy,{{Cite book |last=Raymond |first=Khali |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ajyXxAEACAAJ |title=Khali V. Khali |date=19 April 2019 |publisher=Amazon Digital Services LLC – Kdp Print Us |isbn=978-1-79859-023-2 |pages=7–8 |language=en}} but later stated that WWE gave him the full ring name "The Great Khali".Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211205/SmLjwkPfFW0 Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20140217164101/http://www.youtube.com:80/watch?v=SmLjwkPfFW0 Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web |title=The Great Khali In Aap Ki Adalat (Part 2) – India TV |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmLjwkPfFW0&list=PLrPV4CIjXWRrCW6cf6fDJ_ifDqFnYJlP9&index=2 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}

Rana has followed a rigorous training regimen, including weightlifting twice a day. In the early stages of his career, he maintained a mostly vegetarian diet, later adding chicken and other meats to meet his nutritional requirements.{{cite news |date=6 May 2008 |title=South Asia – Giant wrestler finds fame in India |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7384920.stm |publisher=BBC}}{{cite web |last=t2 |date=25 May 2010 |title=Gentle Giant |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100525/jsp/entertainment/story_12482840.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101019233940/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100525/jsp/entertainment/story_12482840.jsp |archive-date=19 October 2010 |access-date=8 September 2010 |publisher=The Telegraph, Calcutta, India |page=1}}{{cite web |last=Balderson |first=Keelan |author2=Rajat Sharma |date=22 February 2010 |title=Great Khali Debeats With Indian Media About How Fake Wrestling Is |url=http://wrestlingtruth.com/news/great-khali-debeats-with-indian-media-about-how-fake-wrestling-is/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100224054111/http://wrestlingtruth.com/news/great-khali-debeats-with-indian-media-about-how-fake-wrestling-is/ |archive-date=24 February 2010 |access-date=8 September 2010 |publisher=wrestlingtruth.com |page=1}} On 26 July 2012, he underwent surgery to remove a benign tumour from his pituitary gland, a condition linked to his diagnosis of acromegaly.{{cite web |author=Harish, Alon |date=29 July 2012 |title=WWE Star Great Khali's Growth-Inducing Tumor Removed |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Health/star-wrestler-great-khali-tumor-removed-caused-size/story?id=16874060#.UBXAEd_iUtn |work=ABC News}}

He became a naturalised citizen of the United States on 20 February 2014, and also holds an Overseas Citizenship of India card.{{cite web |title=The Great Khali becomes a U.S. citizen: photos |url=https://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/the-great-khali-us-citizen-photos#fid-26236125 |access-date=25 March 2020 |website=WWE |language=en}}{{cite web |title=The Great Khali becomes a U.S. Citizen |url=http://www.wwe.com/videos/the-great-khali-becomes-a-u-s-citizen}}{{Cite news |date=29 April 2019 |title=EC moved over 'The Great Khali' campaigning for BJP |url=https://theshillongtimes.com/2019/04/29/ec-moved-over-the-great-khali-campaigning-for-bjp/ |access-date=18 May 2024 |work=The Shillong Times |agency=Agencies}} On 10 February 2022, Rana joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).{{Cite web |date=10 February 2022 |title=Dalip Singh Rana, known as The Great Khali, joins BJP |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/wrestler-the-great-khali-joins-bjp-7765870/ |access-date=10 February 2022 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}

File:The Great Khali.png

• Continental Wrestling Entertainment
• CWE Heavyweight Championship (2 times){{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/punjab/great-khali-foreign-wrestlers-entertain-audience-in-ludhiana/story-dqtQRE6ecFSnzqYGCUxWvI.html|title=Great Khali, foreign wrestlers entertain audience in Ludhiana|work=Hindustan Times|date=7 March 2016|location=Dehradun}}
• New Japan Pro-Wrestling
• Teisen Hall Six-Man Tournament (2002) – with Masahiro Chono and Giant Silva{{cite web|url=http://100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/newjap/njtagtrn.htm|title=New Japan Pro Wrestling tournaments|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090803125751/http://100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/newjap/njtagtrn.htm|archive-date=3 August 2009}}
• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
• Ranked No. 83 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2008{{cite web|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2008|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2008.html|access-date=4 February 2015}}
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
• Most Overrated (2007){{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|date=26 January 2011|title=Biggest issue of the year: The 2011 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards Issue|location=Campbell, CA|pages=1–40|issn=1083-9593|author-link=Dave Meltzer|periodical=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}
• Worst Gimmick (2008)
• World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE
• World Heavyweight Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldheavyweight/5079750|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071004033428/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldheavyweight/5079750|archive-date=4 October 2007|access-date=4 July 2008|title=The Great Khali's first World Heavyweight Championship reign|work=WWE }}
• WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2021){{cite web |title=Great Khali will be Inducted into Hall of Fame: #WWENowIndia Exclusive |url=https://www.instagram.com/tv/CMzdtghAu7Y/ |website=Instagram |publisher=WWE |access-date=24 March 2021}}{{Primary source inline|date=October 2022}}
• Slammy Award (1 time)
• "Damn!" Moment of the Year (2008) {{small|Khali hosts the Kiss Cam on SmackDown, 7 November}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/slammyawards08/|title=Slammy Award Winners|access-date=19 April 2009|date=8 December 2008|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}

• {{Cite book|last1=Bansal|first1=Vinit K.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NtHMAQAACAAJ|title=The Man who Became Khali|last2=Khali|first2=The Great|publisher=Penguin Books|year=2017|isbn=978-0-14-342623-3|location=New Delhi, India}}

{{Portal|Biography|India|Sports}}

• Sport in India – Overview of sports in India
• Professional wrestling in India – Overview of professional wrestling in India
• WWE in India
• Wrestling in India
• Martial arts in India – Overview of Indian martial arts
• List of articles about professional wrestling of India
• List of Indian professional wrestlers

{{reflist}}

{{Sister project links|collapsible=no|display=Dalip Singh|wikt=no|c=Great Khali|commonscat=yes|n=no|q=no|s=no|author=no|b=no|voy=no|v=no|d=Q44482|species=no|species_author=no|m=no|mw=no}}

• {{wwe superstar}}
• {{IMDb name|name=Dalip Singh}}
• {{Professional wrestling profiles}}
• {{URL|http://ibbfindia.com/dalip-singh-the-great-khali/|Dalip Singh at Indian Body building Federation}}

{{World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)}}

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{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Great Khali}}

Category:1972 births

Category:Living people

Category:Indian male professional wrestlers

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Category:Sportspeople from Himachal Pradesh

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Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers

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