Mumbai, July 17: India's fastest runner, the legendary Milkha Singh, is running very fast again, this time at the box office. The bio-pic on his life "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" has created a global stir and the sprinter is bowled over by Farhan Akhtar's depiction of him in the movie.
The simple-hearted legendary athlete cannot hide his glee at the turn of events.
Milkha Singh said: "My phone has not stopped ringing ever since the film released. I am getting hundreds of calls from all over the world. I am on the phone all day receiving congratulatory calls. 'Badhaai pe badhaai aaye jaa rahi hai'."
The most surprising call that Milkha Singh got was from former American sprinter Carl Lewis. "Yes, Carl Lewis called me. He saw my film and was very moved. He couldn't follow the Hindi dialogues, but he saw it with an Indian friend who explained the dialogues to him.
He is a world-acknowledged runner and has won gold medals in the Olympics. He is one of the greatest sprinters in the world. He wants to send me a gift of appreciation. I told him there was no need for that. I am just too overwhelmed. There are long queues at cinema halls to see my film. "
The jubilant runner said: "The entire credit for the film's success must go to director Rakeysh Mehra, writer Prasoon Joshi, editor P.S. Bharathi and to Farhan Akhtar for portraying me with such conviction, and to Divya Dutta for bringing my sister's role alive.
And to Viacom 18 for co-producing the film with Rakeysh. If it wasn't for the entire team and their belief in the project, my story would not have been told so persuasively. So many athletes have come and gone unsung. I think I am very fortunate."
