Media Release
Dubai, Feb 9: Everyone looked up to The Great Khali – whether intentional or not. That is because the 7-foot-1, 347-pound skyscraper of a WWE Superstar could not help but tower over everyone at Desi Dhaba, the Indian family restaurant at the city's Grand Hotel Fortune, Al Qusais.
With a massive frame and a huge heart to match, The Great Khali was a gentle goliath loved by the guests dining at Desi Dhaba.
Praveen Shetty, chairman Fortune Group of Hotels felicitated him on stage, and the Great Khali reciprocated warmly saying, "He was amazed to see the true essence of Punjab far away from India. He loved the hanging lantern, rustic interiors, brick walls, niches on walls with Punjabi memoirs, foot-tapping music, Bhangra dancers with live singers and above all the essence of Punjabi culture painted on the walls, adorned with Punjabi life-size figures."
Khali stood out from the crowd not only due to his overwhelming size, but also for being the first to grace the dance floor with the Punjabi Bhangra dancers.
He signed autographs for his fans and clicked selfies and pictures with the guests at the restaurant.
The chef turned out excellent home-style Phulkas right in front of his table to which he exclaimed, "So purely Punjabi!"
Before leaving he cut the cake that was customized with his picture to welcome him.
The night was filled with music and masti- Bangra dancers danced on the dhol that was filled with exuberance. The guests could not sit still.
About Khali:
Dalip Singh Rana (born on August 27, 1972) better known as The Great Khali, is an Indian promoter, actor, powerlifter and retired professional wrestler best identified for his time with WWE. In 2007, he became the world heavyweight champion. Before embarking on his professional wrestling career, he was an officer for the Punjab state police. He has appeared in four Hollywood films, two Bollywood films, and several television shows. Khali’s battle-ready mentality and intimidating presence combined to make him a unique threat to every member of the WWE roster. He has successfully stood up against celebrated WWE auperstars including The Undertaker, Kane, Big Show, John Cena and Jinder Mahal. He was the last man standing in a 20-Man Battle Royal on SmackDown in 2007 that allowed Khali to realize his dream of becoming world heavyweight champion.
Success in the WWE ring led to notoriety away from it for Khali, whose sizable achievements made him a national hero in India. He has frequently appeared on screens of all sizes from Bollywood to Hollywood, which includes prominent acting roles in the feature films 'The Longest Yard' (2005), 'Get Smart' (2008), and 'MacGruber' (2010), in addition to guest star appearances on the NBC series 'Outsourced' and the Disney Channel series, 'Pair of Kings'.