Want biopic to inspire the youth: Milkha

Want biopic to inspire the youth: Milkha
Wednesday, February 22, 2012 12:04 IST
By Santa Banta News Network
Legendary Indian sportsman Milkha Singh Tuesday gifted the spikes he wore in 1960 Rome Olympics to actor Farhan Akhtar, hoping that his film "Bhag Milkha Bhag" will be an inspiration to the country's youth.

The Flying Sikh, as he's fondly known, presented the Adidas running shoes as a memento to his on-screen counterpart in Chandigarh in an event on the government college athletics track.

Singh, 76, had given the film's rights to director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, at the insistance of his son, golfer Jeev Milkha Singh, "For a princely sum of 1 rupee."

"I want the people to realise that if a man could achieve so much without any facilities, it is sad that after 60 years, no Indian athlete has come up to that level despite much greater facilities. I want that this film inspires thousands of Milkha Singhs in India," he said.

"I want the viewers to know about my life and the hardships I had to face," Singh claimed.

Speaking on the occasion, Mehra claimed that his film was not about the triumph of a sportsman on the racetrack, but the "triumph of human spirit against all odds".

"When I was young, our swimming coach used to tell us the stories of Milkha Singh's toil and labour on the track. The stories always rejuvenated us and when I learned the story of his life, I knew I had to tell it to the masses," said Mehra.

Akhtar agreed that while the people knew of the success of the great athlete, they hardly knew anything about his life and struggles.


"When I read the script, I realised how little we know about him. I will try my best to do justice to the character and story of Milkha Singh," he said. The film, planned to be shot in Punjab, also features Sonam Kapoor.
Sanjay Dutt calls The Bhootnii a perfect horror-comedy blend and reveals what made him come on board for the film!

Renowned for his intense performances and larger-than-life screen presence, Sanjay Dutt is set to

Friday, April 04, 2025
Sara Ali Khan Embraces Spirituality at Karnataka's Chandramauleshwara Temple!

Actress Sara Ali Khan, known for her elegance and grounded nature, once again showcased her deep spiritual

Friday, April 04, 2025
Tanya Maniktala reveals what makes her latest series Loot Kaand a compelling watch on Amazon MX Player!

Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free streaming service, turned up the heat with its latest series, Loot Kaand, a

Friday, April 04, 2025
Shilpa Shetty emphasises perseverance as the key to success at Femina Circle's empowering debut in Pune!

Femina Circle, is an exclusive membership club designed for women to connect, foster meaningful

Friday, April 04, 2025
Badshah Gets Emotional Remembering Sidhu Moose Wala During 'Indian Idol 15' Finale!

The grand finale of ‘Indian Idol Season 15’ turned emotional as rapper and music sensation Badshah

Friday, April 04, 2025
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT