Farhan Akhtar, who impressively transformed himself to portray the life of Indian track and field athlete Milkha Singh in Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s 2013 film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, has paid an emotional tribute to the Flying Sikh, who passed away on Friday ngiht after a month-long battle with COVID-19.

Taking to his Twitter account, Farhan shared a throwback picture with the sprint icon alongside a lengthy note. “Dearest Milkha ji, a part of me is still refusing to accept that you are no more," Farhan wrote. “Maybe it’s the stubborn side I inherited from you.. the side that when it sets its mind on something, just never gives up. And the truth is that you will always be alive. Because you were more than a large-hearted, loving, warm, down-to-earth man. You represented an idea. You represented a dream. You represented (to use your own words) how hard work, honesty and determination can lift a person off his knees and get him to touch the sky. You have touched all our lives. For those who knew you as a father and a friend, it was a blessing. For those who didn’t as a constant source of inspiration and a reminder of humility in success. I love you with all my heart."

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Farhan Akhtar (@faroutakhtar)

Recommended Read: Milkha Singh, 91, completes running his final lap, succumbs to COVID 19

Milkha Singh had contracted COVID-19 last month and tested negative for the virus on Wednesday when he was shifted to general ICU in another block of the hospital. His condition turned critical on Friday evening.

Farhan played Milkha Singh in a biopic on the late athlete. Directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehta, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag earned accolades from critics and was a hit with fans too.