Farhan Akhtar on letting go of 18 months of hard work building his body to look like Milkha Singh in his new film

His new film may be more than three hours long, but every minute reinforces the fact that Farhan Akhtar pumped iron to get into the fittest form of his life. But now that the film is done and released, Farhan is still coming to terms with letting go of his hard-earned fruits of labour.

You prepped for 18 months to become Milkha on screen. Will it be easy to now let go?
It has been a difficult process -emotional, mental as well as physical. It takes time to move on. It is important to not get stuck emotionally. You need to shed your old skin in order to let the new skin replace it.


Will you believe it if I say that I really got used to the beard and the long hair, so much so that it actually helped me think better.
(Laughs) But it is difficult to keep up with the routine as I have my other films as well.

What are you actually glad of letting go?
I had changed my lifestyle completely for the film. I had changed my diet as well as my sleeping pattern. A lot of friends felt that I was ignoring them, as I had to sleep by 10pm. So getting back with my friends is something that I am looking forward to.


Will you do another biopic soon?
It will be wonderful if it happens but it should inspire me as much as this one.

Fukrey has managed to do quite well at the box office.
The best victory is the one that takes you out of your comfort zone. Fukrey was out of my comfort zone for us and we were taking a risk with the film. We are happy it paid off.


You have already begun shooting for your next with Vidya.
It's sweet and romantic. It doesn't need as much prep as Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.