 Being part of a biopic often comes with a lot of baggage but actor-director Farhan Akhtar, who is all set to play the legendary athlete Milkha Singh on screen, says he did not have second thoughts about his role.
'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag', directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra is based on the life of the Olympian sprinter and Farhan, 38, says Singh is looking forward to the film.
"I met Rakeysh once and I heard the story and I immediately agreed to be part of such a film. It is not just a film, it is the life of a legend. I am honoured to be a part of it. It didn't take me a second to say yes," said Farhan.
Asked if he feels any pressure in playing the 'Flying Sikh' on the big screen, Farhan said, "There is no pressure. I have interacted with him and he is a great man. He is very forward and is happy about this film. We will try and make this film without any unnecessary drama and and will keep it factually right."
Bollywood does not venture much into the territory of biopics but off late directors are turning to real-life stories as the subject of their films.
"People are more open about their lives now. They publish books on their lives. They are not so sensitive about their personal lives anymore as they used to be before," Farhan said about the recent boom of biopics in Bollywood.
His last film as a director 'Don 2', which was shot extensively in Berlin, will be screened at this year's Berlin International Film Festival, starting from February 9-16 and the director is elated to present his film to a non-Hindi speaking audience.
"It feels great that the film will be screened in Berlin.
The whole cast and crew had a wonderful time shooting there. The local crew did open the doors for us. Once we were together on making the film, they proved to be extremely helpful," said Farhan, who was in the capital on an invitation from the German Embassy.
The Shahrukh Khan-Priyanka Chopra starrer is also scheduled to release in German cinemas on February 16.
"Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara", directed by his sister Zoya Akhtar has won him the best supporting actor award at almost all major events this year. The film, which also starred Hrithik Roshan, Katrina Kaif and Abhay Deol, was shot in Spain and because of its popularity a DVD of the film will be soon launched in the country.
"There is no plan to release the film in Spain but a DVD of "Zindagi Milegi Na Dobara" will be dubbed in Spanish and will be released soon all over the country," he added.
Farhan will also be the face of Delhi Police for an audio-visual advertisement to educate people about crime against women.
"I feel very depressed when I come across such cases and being a father of two daughters, I feel responsible. When the officer approached me, I readily agreed to be a part of the initiative. We will shoot for a minute-long film and it will be shown at film theatres before the start of every movie," he said. |
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Updated at: 18 May 2012
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Although he is leading only the Twenty20 side, Mohammad Hafeez has realised the importance of taking the team along with him and the added pressure of leading from the front.
Hafeez, who has also been made Misbahul Haq’s deputy in Tests and One-Day Internationals, said that he was looking to improve his individual form after getting the extra responsibility but his main focus was carrying the team with him.
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Updated at: 18 May 2012
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