Actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar says playing sprinter Milkha Singh in "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" has been an exciting challenge.

"It was definitely a challenge, but it was a challenge that was a very exciting one to accept," the 38-year-old said here in an interview.

The biopic is directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.

Asked if he had to learn Punjabi for his character, Farhan said: "In bits and pieces. I mainly focussed on dialogues and certain improvisations within scenes. But of course I had to, because there is a very distinct Punjabi flavour to the whole film."

"Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" also features Sonam Kapoor, and is slated to release July 12.