The Punjabi Connection: Gama Singh’s Legacy Shines at Calgary Film Festival

Jasmine Singh

At the vibrant Calgary Film Festival, Connect Media Network had the honour of sitting down with wrestling icon Gama Singh for an exclusive and deeply personal interview. The legendary wrestler was in attendance with his son for the screening of Singhs in the Ring — a powerful documentary chronicling his life, legacy, and the rise of South Asian wrestlers in North America.

Tucked into a quiet corner of a cozy hotel lounge, Gama Singh — impeccably dressed and full of grace — spoke from the heart in both English and Punjabi, reflecting on a journey that took him from the small town of Merritt, British Columbia to wrestling arenas across the globe.

“Wrestling now is entertainment — it’s show business, really,” he shared. “But when I wrestled, it was real — muscle strength, grit, and actual fights. No flashy costumes or dramatic entrances. Today, it’s about spectacle — and the promoters like it that way.”

But behind the glitz of today’s wrestling scene lies a trailblazer who paved the way for generations to come. Gama Singh was the first Punjabi to represent the community on an international level, breaking barriers in an industry where diversity was rare. His achievements didn’t just make history — they made every Punjabi proud.

“I had no clue about diet back then,” he laughed, remembering his early days. “My father made me drink gallons of milk every day. I thought it was helping me, but it was mostly fat! Today’s wrestlers are much more aware, they know what protein is, what to eat and what not to.”

Having been raised in Merritt, BC, Gama Singh holds a special place in the hearts of people across British Columbia and Alberta. In cities like Surrey and Calgary, where large South Asian communities reside, he’s more than a wrestling legend — he’s a local hero.

As Singhs in the Ring continues to make waves, Gama Singh’s story stands as a shining example of pride, perseverance, and cultural representation. Through strength, courage, and charisma, he forged a path not only in the wrestling ring but in the hearts of people — connecting generations of Punjabis across Canada and beyond.