Mulayam Singh Yadav, former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and founder of the Samajwadi party was born on November 22, 1939.
He is fondly known as Netaji by his supporters and party members. He was a follower of freedom fighter Ram Manohar Lohia, on whose principles he formed the Samajwadi Party.
Before entering the political fray, Mulayam was a teacher with a passion in wrestling but he rose to high political ranks at a very early age.
In 1996, when United Front Coalition formed government in the Centre, he was made the Union Defence Minister. Since the beginning of his political career there has been no looking back.
Singh was born to Murti Devi and Sughar Singh in the village Saifai of Etawah district of Uttar Pradesh.
Today, this wrestler turned politician celebrates his 76th birthday. Here are 10 interesting facts on him: