Chennai, July 30, 2025 — Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and actor Pawan Kalyan recently experienced a deeply emotional reunion with his karate school senior, Thiru Renshi Raja Avl, after a gap of 34 years. The meeting, which took place in Tamil Nadu, rekindled memories of their early martial arts training under the late Shihan Hussaini Avl, a revered figure in India’s martial arts community.
In a heartfelt social media post, Pawan Kalyan shared that Raja was already a black belt when he joined the school as a green belt in the early 1990s. The two trained together under Shihan Hussaini, whose teachings left a lasting impact on both their lives. Following Shihan’s passing in March 2025 after a battle with cancer, Raja took over the karate school, continuing his mentor’s legacy with dedication and discipline.
Pawan expressed admiration for Raja’s commitment to preserving the school and its values, calling the reunion “a great pleasure and honour.” He reflected on their shared journey, the discipline instilled by their guru, and the enduring bond forged through martial arts. The actor also praised Raja’s leadership in upholding the school’s traditions and mentoring the next generation of martial artists.
The reunion photo, showing both men in martial arts attire, quickly went viral, drawing praise from fans and fellow martial arts enthusiasts. Many lauded Pawan Kalyan for showcasing a lesser-known facet of his life and for honouring his roots with humility.
Known for incorporating authentic martial arts into his film roles, Pawan Kalyan recently underwent extensive training for Hari Hara Veera Mallu, mastering techniques from Shaolin Kungfu, Kalaripayattu, Silat, and Budo. His dedication to the craft continues to influence both his cinematic and personal journey.
