12 Years of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag: Farhan Akhtar never made me feel like my role was small, says Sonam Kapoor

Time of India

5 days ago

Sonam Kapoor with Farhan Akhtar in a still from Bhaag Milkha Bhaag
'Rakeysh Mehra gave me confidence when I really needed it'
While
Farhan Akhtar
as
Milkha Singh
was the beating heart and soul of Bhaal Milkha Bhaag (BMB),
Sonam Kapoor
as Biro was the wind beneath his wings. As
Rakeysh OmPrakash Mehra
's film is all set to return to theatres 12 years after its release, Sonam reminisces her experience and journey of the film.
Speaking of its relevance, she told Bombay Times in an exclusive interview, 'It's the spirit of the story that keeps it relevant even today. Milkha Singh's journey is about more than just sport — it's about courage, discipline, and overcoming heartbreak. That kind of story will always resonate. It inspires every time you watch it, no matter your age or background. And even now, people message me about how O Rangrez moves them.
That says everything.'
Looking back, she added, 'Honestly, it was one of the warmest, most joyful sets I've ever been on. We were telling a deeply emotional story, but there was so much laughter between takes. Farhan, Rakeysh sir and the whole crew had this incredible energy — kind, focused, collaborative. It felt like family.'
As the director told us, Sonam was gracious enough to a 15 minute role because she believed in the story.
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Sonam reacted, 'I said yes the minute I read the script — I actually cried while reading it. It wasn't about the length of the role or anything else. I just knew I had to be part of this film. I even did it for just Rs.11 — it was from the heart.'
The actress was all praise for her costar as well. She shared, 'Working with Farhan was amazing. He's one of the most dedicated, multi-talented people I've met. Watching him become Milkha Singh with such intensity was genuinely inspiring.
He never made me feel like I was doing a small role — we were all in it together.'
Be it Delhi 6 or Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Rakeysh Mehra has a distinct way of portraying Sonam. The actress nodded in affirmative, and explained, 'Rakeysh sir sees his characters with so much depth and tenderness. In both Delhi-6 and BMB, he brought out a quiet strength and softness in me that I really cherish. Biro was simple and pure, and I loved playing her. He also gave me confidence when I really needed it — made me feel seen, made me feel beautiful as a performer.
I always say this: if Rakeysh sir asks me to walk backwards for a scene, I'll do it. That's the kind of faith I have in him.'