Exclusive: How Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra Found A Soulmate In Farhan Akhtar During Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

Exclusive: How Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra Found A Soulmate In Farhan Akhtar During Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

This wasn’t merely a director-actor relationship — it evolved into something deeper, something more soulful. The tale behind this creative alliance is not only inspirational but also a rare example of mutual trust, artistic synergy, and emotional bonding that turned into an unbreakable bond of friendship — or what Mehra calls, a “soulmate” connection.

A Cinematic Journey Rooted in Purpose

Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, released in 2013, is widely regarded as one of the most powerful biopics in Bollywood history. It chronicled the life of legendary Indian athlete Milkha Singh, known as “The Flying Sikh”, and his tumultuous journey from trauma to triumph. But what unfolded behind the scenes was equally compelling.

Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, already known for crafting films with heart and purpose such as Rang De Basanti and Delhi-6, was looking for more than just a star — he was searching for someone who could internalize Milkha Singh’s pain, passion, and perseverance.

Enter Farhan Akhtar, a multifaceted personality known for his acting, directing, singing, and writing. While many questioned the unconventional casting, Mehra saw in Farhan a mirror to Milkha’s soul — resilient, focused, and deeply human.

The Birth of a Soul Connection

From the very first script reading session, Mehra and Akhtar found themselves speaking the same creative language. It wasn’t about egos, stardom, or commercial success. It was about honoring a legacy and telling a story that could move generations. Over months of preparation — from grueling physical training to emotional deep-dives — Farhan transformed into Milkha. But more importantly, during this journey, Mehra and Akhtar transformed into brothers-in-spirit.

“He didn’t just play Milkha; he became Milkha. It was more than acting — it was channeling a soul,” Mehra once said in an interview.

Their daily conversations weren’t limited to the film. They exchanged thoughts on spirituality, discipline, failure, family, and patriotism — themes that shaped both the film and their friendship.

Unseen Discipline, Unmatched Dedication

What truly cemented their bond was Farhan’s unrelenting dedication. Under Mehra’s direction, Farhan spent months undergoing military-style training, studying Milkha Singh’s life in granular detail, and internalizing every emotion. The result? A performance that not only earned critical acclaim but also touched the hearts of millions worldwide.

The success of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag wasn’t just a box office triumph. It was a cultural movement — an awakening of respect for India’s forgotten heroes and a revival of biographical storytelling in Indian cinema.

Beyond The Film: A Lifelong Bond

After the film wrapped, Mehra and Akhtar continued their journey together — as creative partners and soul companions. Their friendship blossomed beyond movie sets, with both frequently praising each other’s artistry and integrity.

In a world where director-actor relationships often fade post release, this one grew stronger with time. Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra even mentioned in his autobiography that Farhan was one of the few people who understood his silences.

They became creative soulmates — a rare phenomenon in Bollywood, where connections often end when the credits roll.

Why This Story Matters Now

In today’s era of OTT platforms, fast-paced content, and commercial gimmicks, revisiting stories like Bhaag Milkha Bhaag reminds us of the power of genuine storytelling.

And in that soulful experience, Mehra found a soulmate — not in the romantic sense, but in the truest definition of the word: a kindred spirit who walked with him through the fire of creative transformation.

To get the latest Updates, Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter & Pinterest and Instagram and Keep visiting us for Latest News Online.