Farhan Akhtar Recalls Emotional Meeting Between Milkha Singh And Fauja Singh: 'He Hugged Him'
As Bhaag Milkha Bhaag gears up for its theatrical re-release on August 8, 2025, actor Farhan Akhtar and director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra are revisiting some of the most emotional and defining moments connected to the film—including a heartwarming encounter with another legendary athlete, the late Fauja Singh.
Fauja Singh, often dubbed the 'Turbaned Tornado," passed away on July 14 in a tragic hit-and-run accident in his birthplace, Bias Pind near Jalandhar, at the age of 114. A global icon and the world's oldest British-Indian marathon runner, Singh's untimely death has cast a sombre shadow over the celebrations surrounding Bhaag Milkha Bhaag's re-release.
Speaking to NDTV, Farhan Akhtar expressed deep grief over Singh's passing. 'Yes, Fauja Singh was here in London. I remember meeting him. However, at that time, all of us were so caught up in the Bhaag Milkha Bhaag promotional junket that we didn't have the opportunity to spend much time with him. But I'm, of course, very familiar with him. I'm familiar with all his achievements. It is truly tragic how he died."
Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra vividly recalled the emotional meeting between Fauja Singh and Milkha Singh at the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Southall, London, in July 2013. 'We went to South London. We were at the gurdwara, where we offered our prayers, and Fauja Singh was also there. Milkha Sir and he hugged each other. It was so great to see them like that. Unfortunately, he died in an accident. He would have lived forever. It's just sad the way life took him away from us."
Fauja Singh's death occurred when he was struck by a speeding vehicle while crossing a road in his village. He sustained a severe head injury and succumbed to it during treatment. Punjab Police acted swiftly, arresting the driver, Canada-based Amritpal Singh Dhillon, within 30 hours. Harvinder Singh Virk, Senior Superintendent of Police, Jalandhar Rural, confirmed the arrest and praised the investigative team.
The chance meeting between Milkha Singh and Fauja Singh, two titans of Indian athleticism, now carries even deeper significance. Their embrace at the gurdwara remains etched in the memories of those who witnessed it—a symbol of mutual respect, shared legacy, and unyielding spirit.
With Bhaag Milkha Bhaag returning to the big screen, audiences will be reminded not only of Milkha Singh's inspiring journey from refugee to Olympian but also of the quiet strength of another Sikh icon who defied age and limits. As Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra put it, 'He would have lived forever. It's just sad the way life took him away from us."
First Published:
July 17, 2025, 14:14 IST
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