Neeraj Chopra, the Indian javelin sensation, has addressed rumors about a potential acting career, providing a definitive, albeit intriguing, update on the matter. While the Olympic gold medalist acknowledged receiving offers, he firmly stated that his focus remains on sports and training.
In a recent interview with The Times of India, Chopra revealed that he has been approached for acting roles but has declined them, stating, "Yes... but it was not difficult to say to (them). I am not an actor". He emphasized his commitment to javelin throwing, asserting that his strength lies on the field. "Just because people know me doesn't mean that I should start doing films," he added.
Chopra clarified that he might consider exploring acting after his retirement from sports. "Maybe once we retire, we can explore other things, but for now, my focus is completely on my performance," he stated. This statement suggests that while acting isn't in his immediate plans, it remains a possibility for the future.
This isn't the first time Chopra's name has been associated with the entertainment industry. Following his historic gold medal win at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, fans and media alike speculated about a potential biopic. Chopra himself suggested that Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda would be a good fit to play him, citing Hooda's acting ability and Haryanvi background. However, Chopra believes that a biopic should be made after an athlete retires, as their story is still being written.
In the past, Chopra has showcased his acting skills in an advertisement for CRED, a credit card management platform. The ad featured him in multiple avatars, including a journalist, a cashier, and a filmmaker, earning him praise from celebrities like Sidharth Malhotra and Virender Sehwag.
Beyond his sporting achievements, Chopra is also a sought-after figure for brand endorsements. He explained that he is selective about these collaborations, recognizing the unpredictable nature of sports and the need to explore other avenues. "You cannot just rely on sports; you also need to explore other avenues because sports can be unpredictable," he said.
Chopra's achievements include a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, a gold medal at the World Athletics Championships in 2023, as well as titles from the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and the Diamond League Trophy. He also secured silver medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics and World Athletics Championships in 2022.
Additionally, Chopra recently spoke about his marriage to Himani Mor, calling it "a great new chapter" in his life. He emphasized the importance of having a supportive partner who brings balance and understanding.
For now, Neeraj Chopra's fans will have to wait to see him on the silver screen. His immediate focus remains on training and preparing for upcoming competitions, as he continues to represent India on the global stage.
