Film on Milkha Singh wins major awards at IIFA

Tampa Bay (US): Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, a biopic on legendary athlete Milkha Singh, has become the top prize winner at the 15th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards, taking home five major honours including best actor, best director and best picture.

Farhan Akhtar, 40, who hosted the ceremony with Shahid Kapoor, bagged the best actor trophy for his powerful portrayal of Singh in the sports drama. Deepika Padukone, 28, nominated in the best actress category for three of her films, won the award for Chennai Express.

The Flying Sikh, who attended the awards gala, got a standing ovation as the biopic on his life received the best picture honour. Director Mehra handed him the award, saying, “I don’t deserve this.”

Milkha, who was actively involved during the filming of the biopic, got emotional and said, “I am thankful to IIFA for bringing me here and giving me respect. I have cried three-four times in my life. Whenever I see the film I cry. When I was sitting here now I was in tears seeing the love and recognition the film got.”

Bhaag Milkha Bhaag also won in the best story category along with best supporting actress for Divya Dutta, who played the role of Milkha’s sister.