Legendary Indian track and field athlete Milkha Singh passed away on Friday night after a month-long battle with COVID-19. He was admitted to ICU on June 3 due to dipping oxygen level. On May 20, he had tested positive for COVID19. Six days ago, on June 13, Milkha's wife Nirmal had passed away.
The sad demise of the former Indian sprinter void in people's hearts. Many took to social media to express their sadness. Bollywood celebrities including Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Akshay Kumar, Raveena Tandon, Angad Bedi, Madhur Bhandarkar, Chitrangda Singh and others also extended their condolences on the death.
SRK tweeted, "The Flying Sikh may no longer be with us in person but his presence will always be felt and his legacy will remain unmatched... An inspiration to me... an inspiration to millions. Rest in Peace Milkha Singh sir."
The Flying Sikh may no longer be with us in person but his presence will always be felt and his legacy will remain unmatched... An inspiration to me... an inspiration to millions. Rest in Peace Milkha Singh sir.
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) June 18, 2021
Big B wrote on Twitter, "T 3940 - In grief .. Milkha Singh passes away .. the pride of India .. a great athlete .. a greater human .. Waheguru di Mehr .. prayers"
T 3940 - In grief .. Milkha Singh passes away .. the pride of India .. a great athlete .. a greater human ..
Waheguru di Mehr .. prayers— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) June 19, 2021
PeeCee tweeted, "Warm and welcoming, you made our first meeting so so special. I have been inspired by your excellence, touched by your humility, influenced by your contribution to our country. Om Shanti #Milkha ji. Sending love and prayers to the family. #MilkhaSingh"
Warm and welcoming, you made our first meeting so so special. I have been inspired by your excellence, touched by your humility, influenced by your contribution to our country. Om Shanti #Milkha ji. Sending love and prayers to the family. #MilkhaSingh
— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) June 18, 2021
Akshay also posted an emotional tweet as he wrote, "Incredibly sad to hear about the demise of #MilkhaSingh ji. The one character I forever regret not playing on-screen! May you have a golden run in heaven, Flying Sikh. Om shanti, Sir"
Incredibly sad to hear about the demise of #MilkhaSingh ji. The one character I forever regret not playing on-screen!
May you have a golden run in heaven, Flying Sikh. Om shanti, Sir— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) June 19, 2021
Anil Kapoor shared a photo of Milkha Singh with him and his Dil Dhadakne Do team and recalled the times he spent at his house. He wrote, "Milkha Singh ji welcomed us into his home and his lovely wife fed us the most unforgettable aloo parathas I've ever had... He truly was an incredible sportsman, phenomenal host and above all an amazing human being... will be truly & deeply missed..."
Raveena Tandon, Angad Bedi, Madhur Bhandarkar, Jaaved Jaaferi, Taapsee Pannu, Anupam Kher, Riteish Deshmukh, Diljit Dosanjh also paid their heartfelt condolences.
Had the honour of meeting you Sir, you will always have a special place in all our hearts ! Whenever we need to be inspired, “bhaag milkhe bhaag,” will resound in our ears ! Om Shanti. https://t.co/UZC6chEQg8
— Raveena Tandon (@TandonRaveena) June 18, 2021
Shri #MilkhaSingh Ji‘s name was and will forever be synonymous with speed. He inspired generations to run & never give up. Extremely saddened to know about his demise. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. #LongLiveFlyingSikh pic.twitter.com/0vAvGORe7d
— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) June 19, 2021
“ ?” ! pic.twitter.com/aM4ELxbDHb
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) June 19, 2021
And he flew away
— taapsee pannu (@taapsee) June 18, 2021
#RIP #MilkhaSingh ji. Grew up with him as the prime sports hero of the country. Condolences to the family
This song is a befitting tribute in your remembrance https://t.co/EUvMbCr24b— Jaaved Jaaferi (@jaavedjaaferi) June 18, 2021
Sad to hear demise of #MilkhaSingh ji
Been a great inspiration will remain in our hearts forever. #OmShanti https://t.co/AcfhenauhC— Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) June 18, 2021
Oh WAHEGURU #MilkhaSinghJi pic.twitter.com/e9e3msjnLx
— DILJIT DOSANJH (@diljitdosanjh) June 18, 2021
Milkha uncle once told me
.. that he would run in his training till he would start vomiting blood ..
the hardest thing is to become an inspiration .. n he was so much more . Not just lost a hero but a great human being . You will be so dearly missed
#RIPMilkhaSingh pic.twitter.com/S1fB80ZgqF— Chitrangda Singh (@IChitrangda) June 19, 2021
(Source: Twitter/Instagram)