Presenting celebrities who actively pursued sports before coming into Bollywood
1. Indian actress Rakul Preet Singh, who has not only worked in Bollywood but also Tollywood films, is an active Golf player. She has played Golf at the national level and is very fond of it. She took up Golf lessons because of her father, and played professionally for the Women’s Nationals. She quit playing Golf professionally to kick start her career in modelling.
2. Deepika Padukone, one of the highest paid actresses in Bollywood, played badminton during her teens. Being the daughter of Prakash Padukone who was an Olympic-level badminton player, she pursued the sport at the national level.
3. Best known for his work in 'Sarbjit', Randeep Hooda has great equestrian skills. He has also invested in a polo team. He won a silver medal for horse riding at the National Equestrian Championship.
4. Rahul Bose, a social activist and actor, who is primarily known for his work in ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ and ‘Chain Kulli Ki Main Kulli’ has been associated with India’s International Rugby team for over a decade.
5. Milind Soman, an Indian actor-supermodel has represented Maharashtra at the early age of 10 for swimming at the state level. He has represented India at the South Asian Games and bagged a Silver medal.
6. John Abraham is a massive football fanatic. Apart from his acting career, he also owns a football team NorthEast United FC which participates in the Indian Super League.
7. Akshay Kumar, popularly known as ‘Khiladi’, not only excels in acting but also Martial Arts. He is a sixth degree black belt holder. He started learning the art form much before he entered Bollywood.
8. Genelia D’souza, popularly known for his films like ‘Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na’ and ‘Tere Naal Love Hogaya’, has been a state level athlete and a national level football player.
