Tucked on the southern edge of Delhi near Chattarpur, the villages of Asola and Fatehpur Beri have earned national attention for their unique identity: they are widely recognized as India’s "strongest village." These neighboring villages are the unlikely backbone of the capital’s bustling nightlife, with hundreds of men employed as bouncers at nightclubs and bars across the National Capital Region. The reputation is so well-established that searching online for “India’s strongest village” leads directly to references about this rural enclave.
The transformation of Asola-Fatehpur Beri into a center for bouncers started with local wrestler Vijay Tanwar. After missing out on a place in India’s Olympic wrestling team, he turned to nightlife security work. His success inspired many others. “I was the first bouncer from this village,” Tanwar told CNN. “Then everyone followed my path. More than 300 musclemen work as bouncers in New Delhi’s clubs and bars now.”
The Daily Routine: Strength, Structure, and Sacrifice
In Asola-Fatehpur Beri, fitness is not a hobby but a disciplined tradition passed down through generations. Men of all ages—from teenagers to those nearing 50—train rigorously each morning and evening at local akhadas, or traditional wrestling arenas. These training sessions involve hundreds of push-ups, rope climbing, carrying heavy weights, and even wrestling in mud. One individual was reported to have lifted a 771-pound motorcycle as part of his routine.
Vijay Tanwar, now a trainer at one of the village’s most prominent akhadas, emphasized the simplicity and effectiveness of their methods. “They eat healthy and on time, they practice here every day, and that’s why they are so strong,” he told reporters. Unlike modern gyms, most villagers prefer traditional workouts, which they believe build flexibility and reduce injury risk. Many also avoid supplements and follow strictly vegetarian diets rich in milk, yogurt, fruits, and nuts.
A Culture Rooted in Discipline
The village’s commitment to health goes beyond physical training. Alcohol and tobacco are strictly avoided, and young men are taught to value fitness and routine from an early age. Nineteen-year-old Sonu Tanwar, who represents the new generation of bodybuilders, said he wakes up at 5 a.m. to run and then train. “I want to be a great wrestler and make my parents proud,” he said. He has already won several championships in the 66-kilogram category.
The cultural emphasis on discipline is strongly upheld by elders like 75-year-old Guru Lekhraj, who continues to guide and mentor the youth. Though no longer active in training, Lekhraj often visits the akhada, observing and offering advice. He believes engaging the youth in physical exercise keeps them focused and away from harmful distractions. “Children are prone to bad behavior between the age of 17 and 27,” he said. “But if we get the child interested in physical exercise and good health, bad behavior will not be an influence.”
Wrestling Heritage Meets Modern Opportunity
Historically, the Tanwar community of this village prided itself on being warriors. “There is an element of the warrior in the Tanwars,” said Ankur Tanwar, who founded the village’s first gym. Speaking to The New York Times, he added, “We fought with the Muslim invaders. We fought with the British... We never thought we would be working in bars.”
Today, while bouncer jobs offer stability and income, many view them as transitional roles. Some men aim to join security services abroad, while others are determined to return to competitive wrestling. Nevertheless, working as bouncers has enabled many to afford better education for their children and improved living standards.
With Delhi’s nightlife expanding, the demand for disciplined, strong security personnel continues to rise. Asola-Fatehpur Beri remains at the center of this demand, producing individuals known not just for their physical strength but also for their adherence to a disciplined, clean lifestyle. Here, bodybuilding is not only a profession—it is a way of life and a legacy that the villagers proudly continue.
The transformation of Asola-Fatehpur Beri into a center for bouncers started with local wrestler Vijay Tanwar. After missing out on a place in India’s Olympic wrestling team, he turned to nightlife security work. His success inspired many others. “I was the first bouncer from this village,” Tanwar told CNN. “Then everyone followed my path. More than 300 musclemen work as bouncers in New Delhi’s clubs and bars now.”
The Daily Routine: Strength, Structure, and Sacrifice
In Asola-Fatehpur Beri, fitness is not a hobby but a disciplined tradition passed down through generations. Men of all ages—from teenagers to those nearing 50—train rigorously each morning and evening at local akhadas, or traditional wrestling arenas. These training sessions involve hundreds of push-ups, rope climbing, carrying heavy weights, and even wrestling in mud. One individual was reported to have lifted a 771-pound motorcycle as part of his routine.
Vijay Tanwar, now a trainer at one of the village’s most prominent akhadas, emphasized the simplicity and effectiveness of their methods. “They eat healthy and on time, they practice here every day, and that’s why they are so strong,” he told reporters. Unlike modern gyms, most villagers prefer traditional workouts, which they believe build flexibility and reduce injury risk. Many also avoid supplements and follow strictly vegetarian diets rich in milk, yogurt, fruits, and nuts.
A Culture Rooted in Discipline
The village’s commitment to health goes beyond physical training. Alcohol and tobacco are strictly avoided, and young men are taught to value fitness and routine from an early age. Nineteen-year-old Sonu Tanwar, who represents the new generation of bodybuilders, said he wakes up at 5 a.m. to run and then train. “I want to be a great wrestler and make my parents proud,” he said. He has already won several championships in the 66-kilogram category.
The cultural emphasis on discipline is strongly upheld by elders like 75-year-old Guru Lekhraj, who continues to guide and mentor the youth. Though no longer active in training, Lekhraj often visits the akhada, observing and offering advice. He believes engaging the youth in physical exercise keeps them focused and away from harmful distractions. “Children are prone to bad behavior between the age of 17 and 27,” he said. “But if we get the child interested in physical exercise and good health, bad behavior will not be an influence.”
Wrestling Heritage Meets Modern Opportunity
Historically, the Tanwar community of this village prided itself on being warriors. “There is an element of the warrior in the Tanwars,” said Ankur Tanwar, who founded the village’s first gym. Speaking to The New York Times, he added, “We fought with the Muslim invaders. We fought with the British... We never thought we would be working in bars.”
Today, while bouncer jobs offer stability and income, many view them as transitional roles. Some men aim to join security services abroad, while others are determined to return to competitive wrestling. Nevertheless, working as bouncers has enabled many to afford better education for their children and improved living standards.
With Delhi’s nightlife expanding, the demand for disciplined, strong security personnel continues to rise. Asola-Fatehpur Beri remains at the center of this demand, producing individuals known not just for their physical strength but also for their adherence to a disciplined, clean lifestyle. Here, bodybuilding is not only a profession—it is a way of life and a legacy that the villagers proudly continue.
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