kung fu

"There is no question Montu is a proper fighter. His talent is world class. He is as good as the famed Tony Jaa," says Kenny Basumatary, the Assamese director and actor who has featured in films like Mary Kom.

One of China's most important pilgrimage destinations, the Shaolin Temple was founded in 495 AD by the monk Buddhabhadra, who had traveled from India to China. Centuries later, a few young Indians are keeping the ancient connection of India to Shaolin alive.

In an effort to make young girls feel confident and bold, martial arts instructors Alexander Fernandes and Ishita Sharma are teaching kung fu for free, every weekend at the Versova beach in Mumbai.