June 26, 2013. This is a big one and Jeev’s is having to miss all the promotional events around the Bollywood movie based on his dad’s life as an Olympic runner – Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (translated as Run, Milkha, Run). The golfer is currently in Europe – living out of his home in London – to play several upcoming tournaments including the Scottish Open and if he qualifies then the British Open.
[highlight] The role of Milkha Singh is portrayed by one of India’s new breed of fine actors Farhan Akhtar who has spent several months training to portray the ‘Usain Bolt’ of India. [/highlight]
“Though I am feeling bad I am not there even though I wanted to, I am hoping to make up for it by being present during the premiere on July 12,” said Jeev in an exclusive chat with Golfing Indian. “But I did speak to the director Rakesh Mehra and I am happy things are good for the run up to the release next month.”
Jeev’s very close to his dad. His athletic traits, his golfing prowess, his sense of focus has much inspiration from Milkha Senior. On many a occasion Milkha Singh walks with Jeev to watch his tournaments and his golf. Golfing Indian fetched out this gem of a picture with both dad and son playing golf.
Sport runs in their blood. Milkha Senior was India’s first Olympic runner. He represented India in the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome and the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Milkha had clocked 45.60 sec in the 1960 Summer Olympics 400m race to finish fourth beaten by Malcolm Spence of South Africa for bronze.
Milkha’s life is basis for this upcoming biographical sports film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. The name of the film comes from the last words spoken by his father, which was to save his life during the riots of Partition of India and Pakistan in 1947. During the partition, Singh lost his family members. The story talks about his perseverance as an athlete and also as a courageous human spirit.
“I wasn’t even born when my dad went through all this. I wasn’t there to see or experience his challenges,” shares Jeev. “This isn’t a sporty portrayal, it’s the story of a survivor, a fighter.”
At home, Jeev only got to hear of some of this as stories of his dad’s past. Milkha Senior shielded his family from any difficulties and would make every effort to keep the family comfortable despite the psychological torture he went through. “He kept us very comfortable. He instilled in us human qualities like hard work and ensured we became good people. My dad always believed where there is a will there is a way. And this belief in him came from his own experiences.”
“My dad would repeat nearly every day. As a youngster I would even get exhausted listening to his lessons so often. I once told him he sounded like a stuck music record going on and on about values.” But thanks to these lectures, Jeev shares, he grew to be tough and hard working. “Dad was so focussed. He always said if there is an opportunity, you have to take it now.”
Jeev’s mom was the Captain of India’s Volleyball Team and Jeev is very proud of his parents. Jeev himself has plenty of accolades to flaunt as he is the first Indian golfer to break into world’s top 50 and the son of Indian golfing legend Milkha Singh. He was the first player from India to join the European Tour.
The role of Milkha Singh is portrayed by one of India’s new breed of fine actors Farhan Akhtar who has spent several months training to portray the ‘Usain Bolt’ of India. Shooting for the film commenced in February 2012 and movie was shot majorly in India. Parts of the movie were shot in Tokyo, Melbourne and Rome trailing some of the places Milkha Singh went during his competitions.
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