When late actor Shihan Hussaini trained Pawan Kalyan, Vijay and others in Martial arts

Shihan Hussaini journey with legendary actors

Shihan Hussaini, a celebrated martial artist, actor, and archery expert, passed away on Tuesday after a prolonged battle with blood cancer. The Chennai-based karate master had made significant contributions to both the world of martial arts and Tamil cinema, leaving an indelible impact in both fields.

His death is a profound loss, particularly to his students, including prominent figures such as Telugu superstar Pawan Kalyan and Tamil actor Thalapathy Vijay.

Among Hussaini’s many students, Pawan Kalyan’s dedication and perseverance stood out. In the 1990s, Hussaini had stepped back from teaching martial arts to manage a security agency. However, Pawan Kalyan’s relentless determination convinced Hussaini to return to training.

According to Deccan Chronicle, the actor persistently visited Hussaini’s home every day for a month, seeking an opportunity to learn under his guidance. Hussaini, moved by Kalyan's resolve, agreed to take him on as a student.

Once accepted, Pawan Kalyan fully immersed himself in his martial arts training. He lived with Hussaini for over a year, adopting the disciplined lifestyle of a martial arts student. Kalyan went beyond the rigorous practice and embraced the everyday responsibilities that came with living under Hussaini’s roof, such as serving tea, cleaning their living space, and showing deep respect for the values of dedication and humility.

In an interesting twist, Hussaini remained unaware of Pawan Kalyan’s connection to Telugu cinema’s megastar Chiranjeevi for several months.

Kalyan never revealed his lineage and instead preferred to be treated like any other student. This humility, combined with his intense hard work, quickly propelled him forward in his training, earning him a black belt.

Hussaini’s influence extended well beyond the realm of martial arts. In addition to his expertise in karate and archery, he was also an actor, sculptor, and television host.

His roles in Tamil cinema included appearances in films such as K. Balachander’s Punnagai Mannan and Vijay’s Badri, where he played a karate instructor. His presence in these films helped popularise martial arts among Tamil audiences, blending his love for the sport with his passion for acting.

Outside the film industry, Hussaini was a trailblazer in archery, training over 100 students and playing a crucial role in developing the sport in Tamil Nadu. His dedication to sports coaching and his advocacy for the welfare of athletes earned him widespread respect in his community. During his battle with blood cancer and aplastic anaemia, the Tamil Nadu government recognised his contributions and provided him with financial assistance to support his treatment.

Even in his final days, Hussaini remained devoted to his students and his mission of promoting martial arts and archery.

Also Read: Shihan Hussaini, Tamil actor and martial arts master, passes away after blood cancer battle

In a heartfelt social media message, he made the noble decision to donate his body for medical research. He requested that his remains be handed over to Sri Ramachandra Medical College three days after his passing, as a tribute to its founder, Ramasamy Udayar, who had long supported his karate association.

Before his death, Hussaini reached out to two of his most accomplished students, Pawan Kalyan and Vijay, urging them to continue supporting his vision for the promotion of martial arts and archery.

This final appeal was a testament to his lifelong mission: inspiring future generations and ensuring that the disciplines he had devoted his life to would continue to thrive.