Becoming the Afghan Bruce Lee - Lives Less Ordinary podcast, BBC World Service

Key Concepts

• Bruce Lee’s Influence: The profound impact of Bruce Lee’s films and philosophy on Abbas Alizada’s life, shaping his physical training, appearance, and worldview.
• Afghan Context: The socio-political landscape of Afghanistan, including the Taliban regimes (1996 & 2021), its impact on daily life, and the dangers faced by public figures.
• Hazara Identity: The specific risks and discrimination faced by the Hazara ethnic group in Afghanistan.
• Fame & Peril: The duality of fame – bringing opportunities but also attracting unwanted attention and danger.
• Resilience & Adaptation: Abbas’s ability to overcome financial hardship, political upheaval, and cultural adjustment to rebuild his life in the UK.
• Asylum & Immigration: The process of seeking asylum and the challenges of adapting to a new country.

Early Life and the Spark of Inspiration

Abbas Alizada grew up in Kabul, Afghanistan, as one of nine siblings. His childhood was marked by limited access to entertainment, with the family renting a television every Friday night to watch films. The first Taliban takeover in 1996 brought restrictions on music, dance, acting, and singing. When American soldiers arrived in 2002, Abbas vividly remembers the fear induced by the bombing sounds, seeking comfort from his father.

A pivotal moment occurred when his uncle rented a TV and played Bruce Lee’s Enter the Dragon. Abbas, at the time, was immediately captivated by Lee’s acting, kung fu skills, and overall character. He states, “That moment I fall in love with Bruce Lee.” This initial exposure sparked a lifelong dedication to emulating his idol.

Self-Training and Physical Transformation

Inspired by Bruce Lee, Abbas began self-training in martial arts at the age of 13, practicing independently before joining an academy. He meticulously studied and replicated Lee’s techniques. Financial constraints and a family relocation forced him to continue his training in the basement of his home for five to six years. His training regimen was structured: boxing on Mondays, kicks on Tuesdays, kickboxing on Wednesdays, and weight training (biceps, triceps, chest) on Thursdays.

His mother initially expressed concern about his training, fearing injury, while his father provided both moral and financial support. At 18, a friend pointed out his striking resemblance to Bruce Lee, prompting Abbas to adopt Lee’s hairstyle. This led to widespread recognition, with people frequently commenting on his likeness to the martial arts legend. He dedicated himself to achieving a similar physique, training twice a day, six days a week, and maintaining a weight of 63 kg – the same as Bruce Lee – for over seven years, with a height of 1.71m (matching Lee’s). He also learned to use nunchucks, enduring a head injury early in his training.

Rising Fame and the Shadow of Danger

In December 2014, a photo of Abbas flexing, reminiscent of Bruce Lee, was uploaded to Facebook with the caption “Old Dragon, New Dragon” and went viral. This led to media attention from BBC, CNN, and Discovery Channel, with documentaries being made about his life. While his father was overjoyed by his success, Abbas became increasingly aware of the dangers associated with his fame in Afghanistan. He explains, “For me, as a public figure in Afghanistan is not easy… a lot of kidnappers over there.” He began covering his face and limiting his public appearances.

He was particularly vulnerable as a member of the Hazara ethnic group, who face significant discrimination in Afghanistan. He also recognized that his fame made him a target for kidnapping and ransom demands. Despite these risks, Abbas continued to pursue his career, starring in action comedy films in Azerbaijan and traveling throughout the Middle East and Asia. He met and married a karate practitioner, Hena, and they had two sons.

The 2021 Taliban Takeover and Escape

The Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in August 2021 dramatically altered Abbas’s life. He was at the passport office applying for a passport for his newborn son when the city fell. He immediately realized the danger he and his family faced, recalling the Taliban’s suppression of artists and performers in the past. He attempted to board a flight at the chaotic Kabul airport but was deterred by the dangerous conditions and gunfire.

The Taliban came looking for him at his home, forcing him to escape. He sought refuge in Pakistan and applied for asylum in the UK. On August 22, 2022, his asylum application was approved. He arrived in the UK with his family in November 2022, expressing relief and a sense of newfound freedom: “Now we have freedom.”

Life in the UK and Continued Dedication

Adjusting to life in the UK presented new challenges, including the weather and the difficulties of immigration. After a year-long break, Abbas resumed his training, regaining his physical condition and returning to Bruce Lee’s weight. He reflects on his journey, describing it as “just a film story” but acknowledging the profound impact it has had on his life. He expresses gratitude for his achievements but remains ambitious, stating, “I’m still in the middle of my journey. It’s not finished.” He also expresses a desire to live a long life, contrasting it with Bruce Lee’s untimely death at age 32.

Bruce Lee’s Philosophy and Lasting Impact

Abbas emphasizes that his admiration for Bruce Lee extends beyond his martial arts skills to his philosophical insights. He particularly resonates with Lee’s quote, “Be formless and shapeless, like water,” finding wisdom in its adaptability and resilience. He concludes by reaffirming his enduring respect for Bruce Lee and the transformative power of his influence.

Technical Terms/Concepts:

• Kung Fu: A Chinese martial art.
• Nunchucks: A traditional Okinawan weapon consisting of two sticks connected by a chain or rope.
• Asylum: Protection granted by a country to someone who has fled persecution in their home country.
• Hazara: An ethnic group primarily residing in central Afghanistan, often facing discrimination.
• Taliban: A fundamentalist Islamic political and military organization.