He is often referred to as "The Strongest Man of India."

His website claims that this enormous monster has walked the jungles of India unafraid of pythons and wrestled White Bengal tigers.

If you have a problem with that, try taking it up with Dalip Singh Rana, who is 7 feet, 3 inches tall and weighs 420 pounds.

The giant former labourer from India has become an international wrestling sensation and is now a star in his homeland, too.

The Atlanta-based Rana, from the state of Himachal Pradesh, is nicknamed the Great Khali. He is a top draw at the popular World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and the pride of his nation.

Back in India for a three-week holiday, the square-jawed wrestler is a sensation on the streets, raking in the cash for vendors who have plastered his face on everything from T-Shirts to key chains.

He called on Indian President Pratibha Patil, addressed journalists in Delhi and was splashed across newspapers. T-shirts and other clothing accessories of the WWE champ — with his bare-chested enormous build prominently displayed — were being snapped up all over Punjab.

"Much of the stock is coming from Ludhiana. Some garment manufacturers in that industrial city timed the arrival of the merchandise with his arrival in India," said Rakesh Kumar, a street vendor selling Khali-inspired T-shirts in Mohali town on the outskirts of Chandigarh, the state capital of Punjab. "Since he is all over the media, including TV shows and newspapers, the clothing in his name is selling fast."

The T-shirts are priced between $3 and $10 at roadside stalls.

Khali may be charging TV news channels, Bollywood filmmakers and others to make the most of his one-month India trip. But he is getting no royalty on the clothing and accessories selling with his photo and name.

The first time that clothes and accessories in Khali’s name appeared in Punjab, including in Jalandhar city where he lived and worked as an assistant sub-inspector with the Punjab Police, was in February and March this year when he was featured in the ‘iron ring of death’ fight in a WWE event in the US. Though he lost in the event, his popularity soared in India.

With even President Patil describing the 190 kg champ as the "pride of the nation," Khali has scores of fans, including top celebrities, lining up to meet him.

His profile on the WWE website says: "This enormous monster has walked the jungles of India unafraid of pythons and wrestled white Bengal tigers." Actually, he worked as a roadside labourer and security guard in his home state of Himachal Pradesh, before being picked up for a police job in 1993.

Wrestlers and fitness freaks in Jalandhar, where Rana once trained before he became The Great Khali (a name taken from the Hindu goddess of destruction, Kali), say they would not mind sporting his T-shirt if he visited any of the gyms.

"If he happens to come to the gym, I will go wearing his T-shirt," said body-builder Jaspal Singh.

Local wrestlers in Jalandhar say Khali encourages them, and is an inspirational figure.

Khali’s arrival was also eagerly awaited by Punjab Police officers. Interestingly, he has been featured in WWE fights in the U.S. while being on extended ‘medical leave’ from his Jalandhar office.

His employer had "dismissed" him from service two years ago, only to later correct its move. They are now waiting to receive him and even promote the man who is being sought by hundreds of fans since his arrival in the country.

Rana is the first Indian to be signed up by WWE, and enjoys top billing in the American showbiz circus alongside fighters such as Hulk Hogan and The Rock.

"Americans could not imagine someone from India in WWE. They are now actually having a lot of fun," said Rana.

Like many WWE stars — such as The Rock, aka Dwayne Douglas Johnson — Rana has had a few Hollywood roles, including in the 2005 film The Longest Yard.

Rana says he will be "choosy" about doing roles in Bollywood.