 |
Cricketer-turned-actor Yograj Singh, far better known as Yuvraj Singh’s father, plays Ranbir Singh, Milkha Singh’s (Farhan Akhtar) coach in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. A t2 limber-up for the July 12 release.
How did Bhaag Milkha Bhaag happen?
Like everything else in my life, it happened out of the blue. I wanted to be a cricketer and I became one, but couldn’t be of the world-class level. But God was kind to give me a champion son like Yuvraj. I never thought I would get into Punjabi films but I did and also got the lifetime achievement award for it! And then, suddenly, I got this offer from Bollywood at a time when I was thinking what to do with my life next.
I got this phone call and there was Rakeysh (Omprakash) Mehra at the other end of the line with the offer. Initially, I thought it was some kind of a joke. But later I realised, it was for real. Even on the sets every day, I would pinch myself to believe that I was actually in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.
Did he later tell you why he chose you for the role?
When Rakeysh Sir narrated the role to me, he just told me one thing: ‘I want you to do with Milkha in this film what you have done with Yuvi (son Yuvraj) in real life’. Everyone knows how my entire life has been dedicated to my son… how I have coached him. Rakeysh Sir also felt that my body language and the way I talk and come across would be suitable for the role.
Is it a cameo or a full-fledged role?
It’s a pretty big role. It’s about how this man discovers Milkha as an amateur, teaches him how to run with spikes and stays with him right till the time he becomes the champion of the world. There are a lot of intense scenes like Milkha’s training in Ladakh where he starts bleeding and yet his coach goads him on to run faster. The man is ruthless with Milkha, but at the same time, he loves him like his own son. There are some really lovely moments between Milkha Singh and Ranbir Singh… he touches his coach’s feet before going for a race and his coach hugs him and kisses his forehead. It’s so much like father and son.
Did you do any research to play Ranbir Singh?
I was just myself. I know how a coach’s mind works. I just gave myself emotionally to the role. But I did face a challenge in speaking Hindi because all my life I have predominantly conversed only in English and Punjabi. I did read a lot of Urdu poetry to work on my accent. I worked a lot on my dialogues.
Do you think Farhan Akhtar is the best choice for Milkha Singh’s role?
When you see the transformation of that kid into Milkha Singh, you will be shocked. The way he’s built that physique as well as how he has emotionally invested himself into that role. I feel that Farhan has worked so hard that he actually looks like Milkha Singh in his younger days. And the way he has physically exerted himself for this role is amazing… all that running across mountains and deserts…. I feel that no one could have played Milkha better than Farhan.
At the time you were shooting for the film, Yuvraj was undergoing cancer treatment in the US. It must have been an emotional time for you...
Yes it was. But it was my son’s ability to rise above all trials in life that kept me going. I was very deeply involved in the character. Even while I was shooting and he was undergoing treatment, all the moments I have spent with Yuvraj on the field would come flooding back to me. I would start crying and Rakeysh Sir would tell me to control myself. Yuvi also came on the sets one day and gave the clap for a scene of mine. It was a very, very emotional moment.
Will we see you in more Bollywood films after this?
I really don’t know. It’s all up to destiny. But yes, if I get an offer like Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.... But I know that before I die, I would like to direct at least one film.
Does Yuvraj too have a flair for acting?
I feel that that he will make a very good actor. I have suggested to him that after 40, he should either pick golf or go in for films. It’s up to him what he wants to do, but I do believe that he has a flair for acting, given how he comes across in ads. But I would love him to captain India once before that.
