My son, who watches a film every day, was impressed by Rakeysh Mehra's 'Rang De Basanti'. Jeev told me if I have to let my story go on film it must be done by Rakeysh Mehra. Before Rakeysh, three to four directors had approached me.
They even offered me substantial amounts of money. But I opted to let Rakeysh Mehra tell my story."
Milkha Singh took just a token fee of Re.1 for "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag". However, it was decided that if the film makes profits, some of it would go into the Milkha Singh Charity Trust.
"We distribute medicines to the poor, encourage promising athletes and help retired sportsmen. In our country, sportspersons are given no financial succour.
I have seen so much poverty and hardship. Believe me, the film shows only 20 percent of my suffering. They couldn't show all my pain. Prasoon Joshi has suggested another film. I've told him to wait and see how far 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' goes."
Milkha Singh now has one unfulfilled wish. "The gold medal that slipped out of my hand in the Rome Olympics must come to us. Before I leave this world I want one Indian youngster to go get that medal for our country. That's the my last wish."
