April 3 - Bollywood is to make a film based upon the life amazing story of Milkha Singh (pictured), India's most famous athlete, to coincide with the London 2012 Olympics after he sold the rights for just one rupee (£0.15/$0.22).


Singh, who was nicknamed the "Flying Sikh and who won the 400 metres at the 1958 Commonwealth Games in Cardiff and represented India in the 1960 and 1964 Olympics, was persuaded to let his story be made into a film by director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.

The film has been tentatively called Bhaag Milkha Bhaag (Run Milkha Run).

Mehra said: "I want Indian youth to understand what determination and purpose can achieve.
 
"If a Milkha, who didn't have access to even basic necessities of life, can aim for the skies, why not others who've been provided the best of facilities?"

Singh survived the trauma of seeing his parents butchered in front of him during the Partition of India when he was 12 to become his country's most revered athlete.

He was the only Indian to ever hold a world record - albeit briefly - when he ran 45.8sec for 400m on the eve of the 1960 Olympics in Rome.

Singh lined-up for the Games as the favourite for the gold medal and was leading coming into the home-straight only to ease up and watch American Otis Davis power past him to win as he missed the bronze medal by just 0.01sec.

It was one of only three 400m races he lost during his career which also saw him win the 200m and 400m at the 1958 Asian Games in Tokyo.

Singh, who is now 74 and whose son Jeev Milkha Singh is a professional golfer on the European Tour, remains the last Indian to win a gold medal on the track at the Commonwealth Games, which is due to be held in New Delhi this year.

He said: "This is the year of the Commonwealth Games.

"I feel sad to say that 52 years after I won gold in the Cardiff Games, India hasn't been able to win a gold in track events."

Mehra said: "Milkha’s story is extremely inspiring.

"He went from a boy who was running to save his life, to an athlete who brought glory and fame for the country.

"We have spoken to him and he has been extremely helpful with the research and has shared details of his personal life."

Singh said: “I would be happy when India will produces more Milkha Singhs from its soil.

"I want that parents should watch the movie and inspire their kids to become more great players and make their country proud."