"Thank you again for trusting me with your story": Farhan Akhtar remembers Milkha Singh as 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' clocks 13 years
Mumbai, July 12
Bollywood actor, singer and filmmaker Farhan Akhtar remembered legendary Indian sprinter Milkha Singh, marking 13 years of his hit biopic 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag'.
In an Instagram post, Farhan shared a picture with the late athlete and thanked him for trusting him with his story.
"Miss you Milkha ji. As Bhaag Milkha Bhaag turns 13 today, thank you again for trusting me with your life story. Big hug to @rakeyshommehra #PrasoonJoshi @binodkpradhan @sonamkapoor @divyadutta25 @yograjofficial #PawanMalhotra @joinprakashraj #JaptejSingh @shankarehsaanloy and the incredible cast and crew," the actor-filmmaker wrote.
Many reacted to the post, hailing 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' as one of the most cherished biopics made in Bollywood.
Farhan's wife, Shibani Akhtar, also showed love in the comment section.
Milkha Singh, popularly known as the "Flying Sikh", is one of India's greatest track and field athletes. He represented India in several international competitions. He had a personal best of 20.7 seconds in the 200m in Lahore on January 31, 1960, which set him up for a gallant show in the Rome Olympic Games, where he clocked a National Record time of 45.6 seconds in the 400m.
Farhan Akhtar famously stepped into the shoes of the late Milkha Singh in the film, which was directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.
The film received critical acclaim and was a commercial success. Farhan Akhtar's portrayal of Milkha Singh was highly praised for his dedication and transformation into the character. Sonam Kapoor also starred in the film.
Milkha Singh passed away on June 18, 2021.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This film made me so proud to be Indian. Milkha Singh's story of overcoming the Partition tragedy and becoming a world-class athlete is something every child should know. Farhan really did justice to his legacy. The music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy was magical too - 'Maston Ka Jhund' still plays in my gym playlist!
As a sports fan from the US, I discovered this film on Netflix and was blown away. I knew Milkha Singh's name but didn't know his full story - the Partition trauma, his army days, that heartbreaking 0.1 second loss in Rome. Farhan Akhtar's performance is world-class. It's a shame more people outside India haven't seen it.
Respect to Farhan for keeping Milkha ji's memory alive. But I have to say, while the film was great, I wish Bollywood would make more such biopics about our other unsung sports heroes too - like PT Usha, Milkha's rival from Pakistan Abdul Khaliq, or our hockey legends. One film every 13 years isn't enough for our sports history.
The way Farhan captured Milkha Singh's mannerisms - the way he tilted his head, his characteristic laugh, that intense focus before a race - it was pure magic. Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra really knows how to bring out the best in actors. This film inspired a whole generation to take up athletics. Thank you Farhan for this labor of love 🙏
S Sneha F I remember We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.