Tribute: 'Milkha Singh was always alive, 'zinda' person', says Prasoon Joshi

Prasoon Joshi, the writer and lyricist recalled the Flying Sikh with memories connected with writing the script for the film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (BMB).

He wrote the script for the 2013 film which was directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.

Speaking with Free Press Journal, Joshi said it was an 'honour' to write for Bhaag Mikha Bhaag. He said the writing allowed him to 'explore Milkhaji’s life and learn a lot from it. Milkhaji was an inspiration for not only the film I wrote, but in life,' he said.

Joshi said he would always cherish and remember the Flying Sikh's optimism. "He was a doer, an optimist whose positivity will always resonate with me."

'Unhone race lagayi . Woh mushkilon se bhaage nahi , daud lagai unke saath ‘

Last meeting with Milkha Singh

Joshi recalled his last meeting with Singh. "[I] Had just met him and his wife Nirmalji a few months back in Delhi and at 92 he was still looking forward to life.

"Milkha Singhji was always alive, a zinda person. His never-say-die spirit will always resonate with the entire team of BMB; with Farhan, with Rakesh, with Shankar Ehsan Loy; with everyone who had the privilege of working with him."

Joshi dedicated a few lines from the film on Singh:

Tera to bistar hai maidan

Odhana dharti teri shaan

Tere sarhane hai chattan

Pehan le poora aasman

Tu pagdi bandh Milkha

Ab tu bhaag Milkha, bhaag Milkha, bhaag Milkha

Ab tu bhaag bhaag bhaag bhaag bhaag Milkha

Ab tu bhaag Milkha