Want this movie to create more Milkhas: Veteran Indian athlete Milkha Singh

Chandigarh, India, Feb 23 (PTI) Legendary Indian sportsman Milkha Singh, whose life will soon be depicted on the big-screen in the film "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" (Run, Milkha, Run), says he wants the film to encourage the youth. The 76-year-old athlete, who reached a career high of a fourth placement in 400 metres in a photo finish in the 1960 Rome Olympics, said the film should give birth to hundreds like him, who can make the nation proud. Directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, the film in Hindi language stars actor Farhan Akhtar as Milkha Singh. "I want Rakeysh and Farhan to make the film on my life in such a way that it inspires many.... After watching the movie people should try and become the next Milkha Singh. It's upsetting that it has been 60 years and there is no other athlete who has been able to match up to my level. There has been a lot of struggle in my life and not many know about it. I hope the film also showcases that," Singh, who also goes by the nickname of 'Flying Sikh' after he was called as such by the then Pakistan President Gen. Ayub Khan, said. Singh also said he has shared every detail of his life with Farhan and Rakeysh for the film. "I have told them every detail of my life so that they can show the real me on-screen.... People just know me by my name and profession but don't know how much struggle and hardship I have gone through. I lost my parents at a very young age and it's not easy for a child to grow up without parents.... But I was sure what I have to do and so I gave my life for it," Singh said. Talking about his film, Rakeysh said, "It is a very special film for me...Milkhaji has been my idol and this is a very important project for me.... The film is not about athlete or sports story but it's a human story. It's about how dedication and hardwork can make anything possible." The film which hasn't begun shooting yet will be shot partly in Punjab. It also stars Sonam Kapoor in the lead. PTI