Filmmaker Rakeysh Omporakash Mehra recently revealed the remarkable physical transformation of actor Farhan Akhtar for the film “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag,” where he played a younger version of the legendary athlete Milkha Singh.The transformation was so impressive that it left Milkha Singh’s daughter, Sonia, in awe.During the shooting, Farhan went to great lengths to portray the role accurately, resting in a tent between takes and even using ice buckets to soothe his tired muscles.
The film “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag” celebrates its tenth anniversary, and to mark the occasion, the producers have arranged for a re-release of the sports biopic.
Rakeysh reminisced about the casting process and how it took some time for Farhan to understand the vision of the film.Eventually, the director found his perfect Milkha in Farhan, and the actor embraced the role wholeheartedly.
While there were speculations about casting other actors like Hrithik Roshan or Ranveer Singh for the part, Rakeysh explained that casting is a crucial process in filmmaking.The team auditioned more than 2,800 children until they discovered the right fit in Japtej, who played the young Milkha.
Interestingly, they met Japtej by chance in Punjab while researching for the film, and he turned out to be the perfect choice.
In commemoration of Milkha Singh, a special screening was organized for the cast and crew, and his daughter Sonia was also present.
The film will be re-released across 30 cities in India on August 6, with the added feature of being available in Indian Sign Language.
Overall, “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag” stands as a testament to Farhan Akhtar’s incredible dedication to the role and the collaborative effort of the filmmakers to honor the life and legacy of Milkha Singh, the Flying Sikh.
