Latest news with #BhaagMilkhaBhaag
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Exclusive: Stories like Bhaag Milkha Bhaag don't fade, they mature with time, says Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra As Bhaag Milkha Bhaag turns 12, director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra looks back at the film's journey, relevance and longevity in an exclusive conversation with Bombay Times. 'I grew up in Delhi idolising Milkha Singh, Dara Singh and Dhyan Chand. They were our Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Milkhaji didn't have shoes at one point, so he ran barefoot. I identified with it because our whole generation grew up without having proper facilities' What makes Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (BMB) relevant even today? Some stories don't fade out. They mature with time. Samay ke saath aur gaadha ho jata hai. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is one of them. The story is timeless not topical, so it does not lose its relevance with time. I always wanted to tell a story weaved around the partition of the country and in Milkha Singh's biography, I found that. Besides being the first biopic made on a sportsman in our country, there were two tracks in the film. One was Milkha Singh's journey, and the other was one of the most seminal point in modern Indian history -- the partition of India. The plot and the character are intertwined in each other. They coexist because of each other. I am glad it's re-releasing in theatres on August 8. Certain films are meant for the big screen. We should develop a culture of revisiting our classics. Not just for business, but legacy. That's more important for me. Why did you want to tell a story that was woven around the Partition? The partition is a seminal point because millions were celebrating the independence of the country, and millions were suffering the partition. I was born in the 60s. I grew up listening to both horrific and beautiful stories of partition. They left an indelible mark on me. When I entered college, we shifted to a colony in Delhi which was given to refugees of partition, and they rebuilt their lives from scratch there. Everybody had come from Pakistan there. I used to hear their stories of how they loved their land. Vatan aur desh mein farak hota hai (sentimentally). A Sindhi will consider Sindh as his land. A Punjabi will consider Punjab as his vatan and three-fourth of Punjab is in Pakistan. Borderline politics is another thing. I see myself through the lens of human beings. I don't see it from the lens of aaj kal kya ho raha hai, log kya soch rahe hain. I am drawn to common man. Ek aam aadmi kya kar raha hai, kya soch raha hai, uske sukh-dukh kya hai. What moves them is very important for me. As a filmmaker, you get to choose your gaze and mine is human. Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Farhan Akhtar on set of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag While the story belongs to Milkha Singh, it also resonates with your past. Tell us about that. It is a story of have-nots. Milkha had nothing to lose. When you don't come from privilege and you make it, that resonates with me a lot. I grew up in Delhi. I used to swim and play cricket in the National Stadium. Before my time, Milkha Singh, Dara Singh and Dhyan Chand used to practise there. We grew up on these three names. They were our Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Milkhaji didn't have shoes at one point and ran barefoot. We all identified with it because our entire generation grew up without having proper facilities. I come from a lower middle-class family. I could relate to characters who were thrilled when they got to wear a Team India blazer like Milkhaji did. He won his first race for a glass of milk and two eggs. He didn't win to make a world record or become a great athlete. I have practiced swimming because at the end of the practice section, we would get a glass of warm milk with Horlicks and two boiled eggs. It was great breakfast and that too for free. This is everybody's story in India. The late Milkha Singh on sets of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag At three hours and six minutes, the film's duration was much talked about. In hindsight, would you make any changes in terms of length or otherwise? It was a difficult story to mount because everyone said where is the romance, hero is just running. Where is the action? Athletics kaun dekhta hai India mein? Saare sawaal sahi thay. But it was important for me to prove the detractors wrong. If I didn't believe in what I made, I wouldn't make it in the first place. Pacing derives its essence from the story and how it is told. A length of the film is the length that works. A two-hour film can feel long and a three-and-a-half-hour film, can seem perfect. Look at the modern-day epics like Avatar, Oppenheimer, Brutalist (3 hours, 34 minutes). Lagaan, was longer than these at 3 hours and 44 minutes. When you're enjoying a movie, you are completely lost in that world and time flies. This whole length concern came from distribution. It never came from the audience or critics. It was a distribution thing because they believed they could pack one more show if a film is shorter. Longer films mean lesser shows and perhaps lesser business, but they are totally mistaken. All these films including Milkha dismissed that notion. Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, still from Bhaag Milkha Bhaag The casting of the film was one of its highlights. Take us through that process. If you cast the right actor for the right job, that's half the battle won. Every journalist has asked me if Farhan Akhtar was my first choice to play Milkha. He was the right choice. Let me put it like that. His eyes reminded me of Milka sir. They have the same intensity and depth, the way he looks at you. Farhan doesn't have many lines in the film because his eyes speak. We bumped into the club almost every day. I knew he's an athlete. He's good on the treadmill. He's good at sports. He's kept himself fit. So, the getting into shape part I knew he will cross the bridge. It was painful for him to go through that body transformation process in 18 months, but pain is a part of sports. Rishabh Pant met with an accident. He was out of action for a year. Look at the way he's bounced back. It's not a miracle. It's a story of inspiration and determination. When you're playing a character like Milkha, something intangible happens to you. Farhan didn't play the role. He became the part which is my brief to all my actors. Don't play yourself. Play the part. 'Sonam only charged Rs11 for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' 'When I approached Sonam Kapoor , I clearly told her she would appear for 15 minutes. Her character changes Milkha's life by making him question his choices. I told her she won't appear later in the film, and I don't know if she will appear in the trailer or the poster. She heard me out and said the film must be made, and she will charge me a bomb for it. I told her bata dena fees, koshish karenge. Her contract came, and she had only charged me `11 as a shagun. She brought so much dignity to the part. '
India.com
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
From MS Dhoni to Bhaag Milkha Bhaag: 6 Sports Biopics That Turned Theatres Into Stadiums
photoDetails english 2935894 Sports biopics have a unique power to inspire and entertain, bringing the triumphs and struggles of real-life heroes to the big screen. These films often transcend the boundaries of cinema, transforming movie theatres into roaring stadiums. Here are six such Indian sports biopics that captivated audiences and celebrated the spirit of sportsmanship. Updated:Jul 23, 2025, 08:22 PM IST Theatres To Stadiums 1 / 8 Sports biopics have a unique power to inspire and entertain, bringing the triumphs and struggles of real-life heroes to the big screen. These films often transcend the boundaries of cinema, transforming movie theatres into roaring stadiums. Here are six such Indian sports biopics that captivated audiences and celebrated the spirit of sportsmanship. M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016) 2 / 8 This biographical drama chronicled the extraordinary journey of former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. From a ticket collector to a World Cup-winning leader, his inspiring rise resonated deeply. The film was a massive box office success, celebrating the beloved cricketer's life. It truly turned theatres into a sea of blue jerseys. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013) 3 / 8 Based on the life of legendary Indian sprinter Milkha Singh, "The Flying Sikh," this film was a powerful portrayal of resilience. Farhan Akhtar's compelling performance brought Milkha's struggles and triumphs to life. The movie was critically acclaimed and a commercial hit, inspiring a generation with its message of perseverance. Paan Singh Tomar (2012) 4 / 8 This critically acclaimed film narrates the true story of Paan Singh Tomar, an athlete who became a dacoit. Irrfan Khan's powerful portrayal captured the complexities of his journey from national steeplechase champion to rebel. The film offered a gritty and realistic look at a life shaped by extraordinary circumstances. Dangal (2016) 5 / 8 This wrestling drama, based on the Phogat family's incredible story, showcased a father's determination to train his daughters into world-class wrestlers. It highlighted themes of gender equality and breaking societal norms. Dangal became one of the highest-grossing Indian films worldwide, proving the immense appeal of underdog stories. Mary Kom (2014) 6 / 8 Priyanka Chopra starred as the titular boxer Mary Kom, depicting her journey from a humble background to a multiple-time World Boxing Champion. The film celebrated her grit, sacrifices, and unwavering spirit. It was a powerful and emotional narrative that inspired many, especially women, to pursue their dreams against all odds. Kaun Pravin Tambe? (2022) 7 / 8 This biopic tells the astonishing story of Pravin Tambe, a cricketer who made his IPL debut at the age of 41. It's a testament to unwavering passion and perseverance against all odds. The film resonated with audiences for its inspiring message of never giving up on a dream, no matter the age. The Unforgettable Impact of Sports Biopics 8 / 8 These films are more than just stories; they are celebrations of human spirit, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. They remind us that behind every sporting legend lies a tale of immense hard work and sacrifice. These biopics continue to inspire, proving that the magic of sports can truly fill theatres with stadium-like energy.
India.com
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
Vicky Kaushals Father Sham Kaushal Reveals He Thought About Suicide After Cancer Diagnosis: Wanted to Jump From Third Floor
New Delhi: Vicky Kaushal's father and veteran stunt director Sham Kaushal recently opened up about a deeply emotional and vulnerable phase in his life when he had suicidal thoughts following a cancer diagnosis. In a candid conversation on a podcast with Aman Aujla, Sham recalled that during the shoot of the film Lakshya in Ladakh, he suddenly experienced severe stomach pain and was rushed to an army hospital. What was initially thought to be a routine issue turned out to be something far more serious cancer. He shared that after undergoing a three-hour surgery to remove a suspicious growth from his stomach, doctors informed him that the condition was critical, and they weren't sure he would survive. It was after receiving this news that Sham, overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty, had suicidal thoughts. 'They informed me in the evening, and at night, I had this wild thought of jumping from the third floor of the hospital where my room was situated. I didn't make the decision out of weakness, but thought when I have to die anyway, why not now? But I couldn't move due to the pain post-surgery,' Sham said. The veteran action director also revealed that in that moment, he hoped give him just 10 more years to live. 'After that night, something changed. I overcame the fear of death. The next morning, I gained the hope that it's just a matter of a couple of surgeries, and I'll be alright. That incident changed my entire outlook on life and strengthened my willpower.' Sham revealed that over the course of a year, he underwent multiple surgeries and tests but remained strong. Thankfully, the cancer had not spread. He credits that difficult phase for shaping his personal and professional journey. 'I asked God to bless me with 10 more years, and today it's been 22. I met good people, received good work, my kids have done well I grew in life,' he added. Sham Kaushal's Work Front Sham Kaushal is one of India's most respected action directors, with over four decades of experience in both Bollywood and Hollywood. His debut as an action director was in the Malayalam film Indrajaalam (1990). In Bollywood, his work includes critically acclaimed and commercially successful films such as Gangs of Wasseypur (2012), Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013), PK (2014), Tiger Zinda Hai (2017), Padmaavat (2018), Sanju (2018), and Simmba (2018). He has also worked internationally, notably on the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire (2008).
News18
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Sham Kaushal Recalls Suicidal Thoughts During Cancer Battle: ‘Thought of Jumping From 3rd Floor'
Sham Kaushal battled cancer in 2003, contemplating suicide but overcame his fear through faith and willpower. Action director Sham Kaushal has opened up about a painful chapter from his life — the time he was diagnosed with cancer in 2003. In a recent podcast chat with Aman Aujla, he revealed how the news left him so broken that he considered ending his life. Kaushal, whose filmography spans over 40 years in Bollywood and international cinema, said he was informed of his diagnosis after a surgery in 2003. 'They informed me in the evening, and at night, I had this wild thought of jumping from the third floor of the hospital where my room was situated," he said, recalling the moment he was told his chances of survival were slim. 'I didn't make the decision out of weakness, but thought, when I have to die anyway, why not now? But I couldn't move due to the pain post-surgery." At the time, Kaushal was already an established name in the industry. He had started out as a stuntman before turning independent action director with the 1990 Malayalam film Indrajaalam. Over the years, he went on to design stunts for critically acclaimed films like Gangs of Wasseypur, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Sanju, Tiger Zinda Hai, and the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire. Reflecting on his lowest point in the hospital, Kaushal shared, 'After the conversation, I overcame the fear of death. The next morning, I gained the hope that it is a matter of a couple of surgeries and I shall be alright." He credited his strong willpower and faith in God for helping him endure the series of surgeries and tests over the following year. 'I had asked God to bless me with 10 more years, but today it has been 22 years. That phase changed my life… I received good work. My kids have been doing well. I grew in life," he added. Sham Kaushal is the father of actors Vicky Kaushal and Sunny Kaushal. Vicky is married to actor Katrina Kaif. First Published: July 20, 2025, 10:29 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
NDTV
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Farhan Akhtar And Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra On Meeting Fauja Singh At London Gurdwara: "He Hugged Milkha Singh"
New Delhi: Farhan Akhtar and filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Sharma are gearing up for the re-release of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. The biographical sports drama was based on the life of Indian athlete Milkha Singh. The Flying Sikh, as he was called, had an incredible journey from being a refugee to being an Olympian. While in conversation with the actor-director duo on the joy of seeing their film hit the screens again, we broached the topic of another incredible athlete who the sports world recently lost. Fauja Singh - the world's oldest British Indian marathon runner, who died on July 14, 2025, in a hit-and-run case. The incident took place in his birth village - Bias Pind, near Jalandhar. He was 114. What's Happening Farhan Akhtar and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra expressed deep sorrow at the death of another celebrated Sikh athlete, Fauja Singh. Just like Milkha Singh, Fauja Singh, aka Turbaned Tornado, had achieved International recognition. However, they were in different disciplines. In July 2013, Milkha Singh and Fauja Singh met each other during the promotions of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag in London. As the two sports legends met at SRI Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Southall, London, it was a momentous occasion to cherish. Farhan Akhtar recalls, "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." Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra shares, "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 Accident Singh, a global athlete, was crossing a road in his birth village, Beas Pind, in Jalandhar. The incident took place on Monday, when he was hit by a vehicle. He suffered a head injury and passed away during the treatment. The Punjab police were quick to catch the culprit. On Tuesday night, they arrested Canada-based Amritpal Singh Dhillon, who had rammed into Fauja Singh and then fled the scene. Harvinder Singh Virk, Senior Superintendent of Police, Jalandhar Rural, shared details of their investigation and how they cracked the case in 30 hours. In A Nutshell The conversation was around one of the most celebrated marathon runners - Milkha Singh, as Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Bhaag Milkha Bhaag re-releases on August 8, 2025. The filmmaker and Farhan Akhtar also expressed their grief on the death of another marathon legend - Fauja Singh, who died in a horrific car accident on July 14, 2025.
