By the time he reached 30 years of age, Khalil had achieved feats that bordered on the unbelievable. One of the most famous was lifting a 450-kilogram weight using his teeth, an act requiring not only immense jaw strength but also perfect balance, neck control, and mental focus. Such performances were dangerous and demanded years of preparation.
Between 1330 and 1350 (1951–1971), Khalil traveled extensively across Iran, performing in cities large and small. His shows included:
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Lifting extremely heavy weights
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Sleeping under trucks and buses as they passed over him
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Bending iron beams with bare hands
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Pulling vehicles using chains attached to his body
These acts placed him within the lineage of legendary strongmen while simultaneously elevating him into a new category of popular performer.
From Traditional Strength to Organized Performance
One of Khalil Oqab’s most significant contributions was his role in transforming individual strength demonstrations into organized public performances. He was the first Iranian strongman to organize wrestling and strength shows with ticket sales, turning what had traditionally been informal or ritualized displays into structured entertainment.
