When Bhaag Milkha Bhaag released in 2013, it wasn’t just a biopic that took the nation by storm—it was a cinematic triumph that married physical intensity with emotional depth. But behind this celebrated film lay an even more personal journey—a bond formed between two storytellers: director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and actor Farhan Akhtar. What began as a professional collaboration blossomed into what Mehra calls a “soulmate connection.”
In an exclusive revelation from Mehra, the filmmaker opened up about how working with Farhan became one of the most profound relationships of his career—not just as a director-actor duo, but as artists whose vision and discipline were perfectly in sync.
The Making of a Milestone Film
When Mehra set out to tell the story of Milkha Singh, India’s Flying Sikh, he knew he needed more than just a lead actor—he needed someone who would become Milkha. After months of deliberation, he approached Farhan Akhtar—a filmmaker himself, known for his perfectionism, discipline, and depth.
Farhan’s initial reaction was cautious. Known more for his directorial brilliance and charming on-screen presence, he had never undertaken a physically and emotionally transformative role of such magnitude. But once he said yes, there was no looking back.
Farhan immersed himself in rigorous training, endured injuries, and followed a lifestyle that rivalled Olympic athletes. But more than that, he gave himself fully to Mehra’s vision, without ego, without resistance.
Creative Chemistry Like No Other
In his own words, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra shared:
“Working with Farhan was like finding a mirror to my own madness. He didn’t just understand the role, he understood me. The silences on set, the look in his eyes during the toughest scenes—we didn’t need to explain things anymore. He just knew.”
This bond went far beyond the traditional boundaries of director and actor. Mehra describes their relationship during the shoot as “telepathic.” He would often give Farhan nothing more than a glance or a small nod—and Farhan would deliver exactly what the scene needed.
The emotionally charged scenes—particularly Milkha’s breakdown after Partition, or his sprint towards Olympic redemption—were all built on trust. Farhan trusted Mehra’s storytelling instinct, while Mehra trusted Farhan’s complete surrender to the role.
A Soulmate In The Studio
Mehra refers to Farhan as his “creative soulmate”—a term rarely used in the film industry where ego clashes and artistic disagreements are commonplace.
What forged this rare bond?
- Shared Integrity: Both are known for taking on only projects that resonate with their values.
- Emotional Intelligence: They approached the film not as a sports biopic, but as a story of trauma, resilience, and human triumph.
- Discipline: From Farhan’s relentless physical transformation to Mehra’s detailed vision of 1950s India, both men operated with obsessive precision.
In fact, many insiders recall that there were days on set when Farhan and Mehra didn’t speak much—but somehow, said everything.
Post-Bhaag Milkha Bhaag: A Relationship That Endures
Even after the film’s release, their relationship has endured. They have often spoken publicly about the mutual respect they hold. Farhan has credited Mehra with showing him the power of internalising a character, while Mehra has often said that Farhan didn’t just act—he “channelled Milkha Singh.”
The film swept the box office and award circuits, but for both men, the true victory lay in the journey—in discovering a rare creative partnership that pushed each of them beyond their known limits.
A Bond Written In Celluloid
The story of Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Farhan Akhtar during Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is not just about a successful film—it is about trust, vulnerability, and artistic kinship. At a time when Bollywood collaborations are often transactional, theirs stood out as genuine.
In Mehra’s words:
“I didn’t just find Milkha in Farhan—I found someone who sees the world like I do, who listens the way I feel. That’s not just collaboration. That’s connection.”
And that’s what made Bhaag Milkha Bhaag unforgettable—not just for audiences, but for the two soulmates who brought it to life.
