Dhyan Chand was an Indian field hockey player, considered as one of the greatest players of all time. Born in August 1905, he died aged 74 in 1979. In this 5 part series on his all time heroes, Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan talks about how the three times Olympian inspired him in life.
The actor reveals what he's learnt from Dhyan's accomplishments. "Success is not something that can be passed on. The greatest of people, the most successful of people perhaps will never be able to teach their children or their colleagues, to be as successful as they were."
Even though the Bollywood star didn't get to meet him in life, he fondly remembers sitting under a statue of his idol at the national stadium in New Delhi while he was growing up. Shah Rukh recalls that's where his interest in learning more about the great Dhyan Chand began.
He goes on to explain he decided to play the role of hockey coach Kabir Khan in the film Chak De! India because he wanted the world to share his passion for the game.
Finally, Shah Rukh discusses how Dhyan's inspiration stretches wider than sport, saying "just in case you can't achieve success in the field you want to, there are always going to be opportunities which will allow you do so later on. So don't give up." Show less