Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai
Mumbai, Aug 8: If the legendary sprinter Milkha Singh were alive today, he would have been delighted to watch his biopic Bhaag Milkha Bhaag return to cinema halls. The Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra directorial, starring Farhan Akhtar, was the first film Milkha watched since the 1960s when it originally released in 2013.
In one of his final interviews, published on March 23, 2021—just months before his passing on June 18, 2021, at the age of 91 after a battle with Covid-19—Milkha Singh spoke warmly about Farhan’s dedication to portraying him. He recalled seeing Farhan train and run 100 metres in 11 seconds, a feat he admired deeply. “No matter where I went—Australia, England, or Canada—people used to tell me Farhan was my ditto copy,” he said.
The Padma Shri awardee, fondly known as ‘The Flying Sikh,’ also praised Mehra’s filmmaking, noting his background as a top swimmer helped him create inspiring sports dramas. His son, golfer Jeev Milkha Singh, had personally chosen Mehra to tell his father’s story after watching Rang De Basanti.
At the time of the interview, Farhan and Mehra were ready to release Toofaan. Milkha had loved Farhan’s look in the teaser and wished the team success. “Many more sports films should be made,” he had said, adding that such movies inspire future generations to bring Olympic and Asian Games glory to India.
Milkha Singh also reminisced about his friendships in the film industry, particularly with Raj Kapoor, and how Prithviraj Kapoor had once organised a prayer for his Olympic success in 1960. He fondly recalled early cinema experiences, including silent films and classics like Awaara and Shree 420.
Even at 91, fitness was central to his life. “Exercise has kept me safe during COVID-19,” he had remarked—tragically, just months before contracting the virus. He passed away days after his wife, former national volleyball captain Nirmal Kaur, also succumbed to Covid-related complications.
Milkha Singh’s final words remain a testament to his love for sport, discipline, and the power of stories that inspire.