Meet Rinku Rajput, former wrestler and baseball player in the US who is now the sevak of Premanand Maharaj

Rinku Singh Rajput, the man whose life has taken more dramatic turns than a blockbuster script. From rural Uttar Pradesh to the big leagues of baseball in the US, then to the glitzy wrestling rings of WWE, and now to humble service under spiritual guru Premanand Ji Maharaj at his ashram in Vrindavan. Born August 8, 1988 in Holpur village, Bhadohi district, UP, Rinku grew up in a one-room house with nine siblings and a father who worked as a truck driver. He started his sports journey as a javelin thrower and later entered a reality show called The Million Dollar Arm in 2008, where his throw broke records and kicked off his unexpected baseball career. His baseball story? He signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, making waves as the first Indian to play professional baseball in the US, and even inspired the Disney film Million Dollar Arm.

Then came the next pivot: in 2018 he joined WWE under names like “Rinku”, “Veer” and “Veer Mahaan,” and squared off against big names including John Cena and The Great Khali.

The shift towards seva & silence

Just when most might lean into their fame, Rinku surprised everyone. A recent viral video shows him in monk-style attire, tilak on his forehead, quietly sweeping the courtyard of Premanand Ji Maharaj’s ashram in Vrindavan—and it’s captured hearts across social media.

In the clip, the guru asks him, “If you feel you are worthy of this world, then come.” Rinku, folding his hands, replies, “Lagne laga hai”, “I’m starting to feel it.

” That line resonated. This isn’t just a career change. It’s a rebirth. From roaring crowds and spotlight to quiet devotion and selfless service, his journey is loud in what it doesn’t say as much as what it does."Money, wealth and material things can be pleasant in life, but real richness is one that comes from peace of soul and true knowledge.

Going under the shelter of Gurudev Shri Premanand Ji Maharaj is the path of spiritual growth, true happiness and lasting satisfaction," Rajput had posted on social media.

Why this story strikes a chord

From fame to humility: People love redemption arcs, and Rinku’s transition from global athlete to humble seva worker offers one.Breaking stereotypes: He shows that success doesn’t always mean staying in the game, you might choose a new route entirely.Spiritual over material: His pivot sends a message: even when you’ve “made it,” you might still be looking for meaning.