Filmmaker-writer Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra will continue to feel a void in his life with the demise of Milkha Singh, India’s legendary sprinter. It was difficult for Rakeysh to accept that his hero succumbed to COVID-related complications on June 18. The director got to know the internationally-renowned athlete closely when he helmed Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (2013), a biopic that gave a glimpse into his extraordinary personal and professional journey. While Rakeysh directed the movie, Farhan Akhtar beautifully essayed Milkha Singh on the big screen, and the film went to become a massive success at the box office.

Remembering the iconic sportsman, Rakeysh says, “A personality like Milkha Singh lives on forever. Yes, you might cremate his mortal remains, but what he stood for, the inspiration he gave all of us and his achievements, will live on forever.”

Talking about the late legendary sprinter Milkha Singh, Rakeysh adds, “For me, he was the first international sporting hero of independent India. People across the board — athletes, business professionals, politicians and filmmakers — have been inspired by him. The outpouring of love from every corner of the world speaks of that. I must have spoken to him a month or two before he passed away. We would always check on each other. Our relationship was like that of a father and son. It was special in many ways.”

Milkha Singh’s wife, Nirmal Kaur, succumbed to Coronavirus on June 13, five days before his demise. Rakeysh says, “When they fell sick, I thought the family should have their space and privacy. I stayed in touch with the family checking on Nimmi aunty and him. His passing has affected me a lot.”

Describing his equation with Milkha Singh and his family, the filmmaker shares, “Nimmi Aunty and he were like a second family to me. They were like parents to me, and we would keep checking on each other every few days. He was an extremely revered figure whose story, I felt, should reach the younger generation. Pop culture elements like movies and music help a story travel to a wider audience. I wanted people of this generation to connect with him and experience his story.”

Rakeysh has around 6,000 hours of recording in which Milkha Singh gave a deep insight into his life and shared the minutest details with the filmmaker, who, at that time, was researching the biopic. Does he intend to go back to that material and create something from it? “I think the movie said it all,” says Rakeysh, adding, “It was loved across the world. The response was just as overwhelming as it was in India. It received the same kind of adulation. People connected with his emotions. A sportsman like Carl Lewis, who is extremely revered for his achievements, saw the film and sent a baton to Milkha Singh saluting his efforts. They didn’t know each other, but Milkha Singh’s journey connected them.”

Speaking about some of Milkha Singh’s beliefs that made an impact on him, Rakeysh says, “He said that there is no substitute for hard work. He always said that it’s great to have talent that you can hone, but you have to go through fire and come out on the other side to excel in life. He believed that there are no shortcuts if you want to be the best in the world. His words will be my mantra for life.”