Danish Pandor joins professional tennis training, eyes India's growing craze
Synopsis
'Dhurandhar' actor Danish Pandor has formally joined Kunal Thakur's tennis academy, citing India's surging tennis culture and TPL's seven-year grassroots push as his inspiration. Days before his Imtiaz Ali film 'Main Vaapas Aaunga' hits screens worldwide on 12 June 2026, Pandor is carving out a dual identity — on screen and on court.
Key Takeaways
Danish Pandor has begun formal tennis training at Kunal Thakur's academy in Mumbai .
Pandor credited TPL's 7-year effort for growing tennis culture in India, praising the work of Kunal and Mrinal .
He expressed hope that tennis would attract mass participation on par with cricket and football.
Pandor plays a special role in Imtiaz Ali's 'Main Vaapas Aaunga' , releasing worldwide on 12 June 2026 .
The film also features Diljit Dosanjh , Naseeruddin Shah , Sharvari Wagh , and Vedang Raina .
Actor Danish Pandor, best known for his role in 'Dhurandhar', has revealed that tennis has become a significant part of his personal life, announcing that he has formally enrolled at Kunal Thakur's tennis academy. The disclosure came on 10 June from Mumbai, where the actor spoke about his enthusiasm for the sport and its expanding footprint across India.
Pandor's Tennis Journey
Pandor described his connection to the sport as deeply personal, crediting his friendship with Kunal Thakur as the catalyst for taking structured training seriously. 'I am a big fan of tennis. I have recently started training with Kunal Thakur's academy. Kunal is a very close friend of mine, and we have worked together a lot,' Pandor said.
The actor also praised the organisational efforts that have helped popularise the sport domestically. 'I am very happy to see the tennis craze in India. Especially the work done by TPL in the last 7 years. Kunal and Mrinal's work is commendable,' he added.
Rising Tennis Culture in India
Pandor expressed optimism about the sport's trajectory, drawing a parallel with cricket and football in terms of mass participation. 'It will continue to grow every year. I wish that more and more people get involved in this sport. Just like people get involved in football and cricket. I can see that many youngsters are getting influenced by this sport. It is a very good thing,' he said.
Notably, the actor's comments come at a time when grassroots tennis infrastructure — driven by academies and leagues like TPL (Tennis Premier League) — has been steadily building a younger fanbase across Indian cities.
Upcoming Film: Main Vaapas Aaunga
On the professional front, Danish Pandor is set to appear in a special role in filmmaker Imtiaz Ali's forthcoming film 'Main Vaapas Aaunga', scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on 12 June 2026. The film also stars Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Sharvari Wagh, and Vedang Raina in key roles.
Pandor shared what it was like performing under Ali's direction. 'Whenever I used to perform or any other actor used to perform, he was right there, standing in front of you and seeing you as if he's watching a play. And yeah, so that was a different feeling and an experience for me as well,' he said.
What's Next
With 'Main Vaapas Aaunga' days away from release and his tennis training now formalised, Pandor appears to be balancing a busy professional calendar with a disciplined new sporting pursuit — a combination that could further raise his public profile ahead of the film's debut.
Point of View
Metro-only image. Whether that translates into genuine participation numbers or remains a lifestyle accessory for the industry set is the real question. Pandor's timing — days before a high-profile Imtiaz Ali release — also ensures maximum visibility for both the sport and the film.
NationPress
27 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tennis academy has Danish Pandor joined?
Danish Pandor has joined Kunal Thakur's tennis academy for formal training. Thakur is a close friend of the actor, and the two have previously collaborated professionally.
What is 'Main Vaapas Aaunga' and when does it release?
'Main Vaapas Aaunga' is an upcoming film directed by Imtiaz Ali , set for a worldwide theatrical release on 12 June 2026 . Danish Pandor appears in a special role alongside Diljit Dosanjh, Naseeruddin Shah, Sharvari Wagh, and Vedang Raina.
What did Danish Pandor say about tennis in India?
Pandor said he is happy to see the growing tennis craze in India, specifically praising TPL's work over the last 7 years . He expressed hope that more young people would take up the sport the way they do cricket and football.
Who is Danish Pandor?
Danish Pandor is an Indian actor known for his role in 'Dhurandhar' . He is set to appear in a special role in Imtiaz Ali's 'Main Vaapas Aaunga', releasing in June 2026.
What is TPL and why did Pandor mention it?
TPL, or Tennis Premier League , is a domestic tennis league that has worked to grow grassroots tennis in India over the past 7 years . Pandor credited TPL's efforts, along with the work of Kunal and Mrinal, as commendable in building the sport's popularity.
