You will always be alive: Farhan Akhtar pays tribute to 'Flying Sikh' Milkha Singh

New Delhi: Actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar, who portrayed legendary sprinter Milkha Singh in his biopic 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' in 2013, paid tribute to the sports icon, saying he loves him with all his heart and the athlete would always be alive.

Singh died due to post-COVID complications at the age of 91 at Chandigarh's PGIMER hospital on Friday night. He had lost his wife Nirmal Kaur, a former national volleyball player, last week.

Akhtar shared a picture of himself and the athlete on twitter and wrote: "Dearest Milkha ji, a part of me is still refusing to accept that you are no more. Maybe it's the stubborn side I inherited from you.. the side that when it sets it's mind on something, just never gives up.

And the truth is that you will always be alive. Because you were more than a large hearted, loving, warm, down to earth man. You represented an idea. You represented a dream. You represented (to use your own words) how hard work, honesty and determination can lift a person off his knees and get him to touch the sky."

The 'Rock On' actor further said that the sports icon was a constant source of inspiration and a reminder of humility in success."You have touched all our lives. For those who knew you as a father and a friend, it was a blessing. For those who didn't, your story was as a constant source of inspiration and a reminder of humility in success. I love you with all my heart," he added.

Milkha Singh had won four gold medals in Asian Games. The fourth-place finish in the 400m final at the 1960 Rome Olympics was one of the headlines of his career. He represented the country in the three Olympics between 1956 and 1964.

The sprinter was conferred with the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honour, in recognition of his sporting achievements.He is survived by his golfer son Jeev Milkha Singh and three daughters.Milkha Singh had tested positive for COVID-19 in May this year.

I watched 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' sitting right next to Milkha Ji: Divya Dutta

Kolkata: Legendary athlete Milkha Singh, who often has been called 'Flying Sikh', has left for heavenly abode.After hearing about this irreparable loss, national award-winning actor Divya Dutta mourned the legend's death.

Divya, who played the character of Milkha Singh's sister Ishvar (credited as Isri in film) Kaur in the biopic of the legendary athlete 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' said, "When I wanted to know about his sister, he got so emotional talking about her. I got a lot of help to do the character to see how he felt for his sister".

Reminiscing about her first meeting with Singh, Dutta said, "For me, the happiest moment was to meet him. I was truly happy when I got to know that I'm going to be a part of the biopic on Milkha Ji. Then a session was organised with me, Rakeysh Ji and Farhan with him."

Mentioning that one of the most memorable days of her life, Divya added, "It was a joy to hear him talk and reminiscing about his life, his stories, his challenges, victories and failures everything. Hearing his story in his own words was a different feeling to me, he was reminiscing it beautifully."

Divya also had a special experience with Milkha Ji. In a conversation with UNI, she said, "I met him at 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' premiere. I sat right next to him and watched the film together and interestingly I have a picture of that. He was so emotional and so elated like a child to have seen the film and to see it inspiring so many people. I also remember, he gave me a big hug with teary eyes. I realised that he had no words to express at that moment. I'll always cherish that."

Revealing her bonding with the 'Flying Sikh's family, on-screen Ishvar said, "After the film, I shared a lovely bond with him and his wife. Once I visited them at their house in Chandigarh and had tea with them following lots of gupshup." Apropos, Nirmal Saini Kaur who was the wife of the athlete also passed away five days ago.

"I just celebrate him and that's all I say. I'll celebrate him for the sheer great spirit that he had to face life with his huddles and emerge victorious come that way. I think, his life always will going to be an inspiration for many including me", Divya concluded.(UNI)