Every month, two or three directors would visit Milkha Singh’s home in Chandigarh.
However famous, he always turned down their offer to buy the film rights to a story about his life. Money, was not, it seems, a strong enough lure for the former star-athlete.
It was of no importance, he told us, even when he was growing up as a child of abject poverty.
But Singh eventually agreed to hand them over to Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra for just a rupee.
And Mehra made sure it was a very special rupee.
He found a currency note printed in 1960. Then presented it as a token gift for the legendary runner.
“It was difficult to find, but we managed,” said Mehra, triumphantly.
The other condition, was the responsibility on Mehra and Farhan’s shoulders, to translate the journey the Flying Sikh had traversed, on the road to victory, and inspire the young, via a cinema story.
He commented, “Sadly, after 1960, India did not produce any new Milkha Singhs. The purpose of involving myself with this film, was to assist with something I hope will win the crowd.”
Singh agreed to give Mehra permission for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, at his son Jeev’s insistence.
Milkha Singh shared, “I have not watched a movie since 1960. My son is a huge film buff. No matter where he plays, he watches a Hindi movie.
It was he who told me, ‘Dad, there are directors who can give you a lot of cash. But if someone can do justice to the story it is Rakeysh Mehra.’ And I did not doubt him. Jeev was very inspired after watching Rang De Basanti’.”
Many of us would have read how Milkha Singh rose to glory during the 1960 Olympics.
Less is known about the blood and sweat behind his success.
Even after winning laurels, the Sikh did not give up his simple, rough mode of existence.
“We continued to spread a chadar on the floor, and eat our food from there. We never considered staying in a hotel. Sometimes, I would faint and vomit blood during practice. But I never gave up,” said Milkha.
Farhan’s face bears stress lines. “More than the physical practice, the challenge is to enter the mind of a person hungry in his pursuit of excellence,” said Akhtar.
He, Mehra and Milkha Singh were addressing a gathering in Chandigarh, where the athlete passed on the pair of spikes that had famously run on Roman soil, as a mark of affection to Akhtar.
Mehra brought them during an auction.
Singh had said earlier, that he would not pass on the baton. Even if were offered crores of rupees. But later donated it to charity.
At 76, Milkha Singh said feels as fit as did, years ago.
He still walks long distances, and only needs a few glass of beer to refresh him!
He shared a few tips on effective running with Farhan, and had visited the Priyadarshini Park in Mumbai, where Farhan was practicing for his role. Akhtar commented, “Coaching methods have changed considerably from Milkha Singh’s days. The track is not the same.
“Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, set during the 50s and 60s is about the human spirit. Rather than about sports. I have tried to understand Milkha’s journey. The more I read, the more I need to learn about him.”
Mehra added, “I should have got five years more to research the film. Everything is vast and huge about him. To base the film in that time period will be a major challenge.”
Shooting will begin within the next 20-25 days. The major portion will be filmed in Punjab. Mehra denied rumours he will shoot in Pakistan.
It’s not clear what Sonam Kapoor’s role will be.
The director ended, “I always believed that audiences should have the first right to the joy of discovery.
“Let us get into the details later.
“But I promise that the music will be special.”
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