Mumbai: Bollywood celebrities expressed their heartfelt tributes on the demise of legendary Indian Sprinter Milkha Singh, who passed away at 11:30 pm on Friday in Chandigarh. Singh, 91, had tested positive for COVID-19 in May this year. Milkha was born in Layalpur, in undivided India, and now in Pakistan.
Farhan Akhtar, who portrayed the role of Milkha Singh in the 2013 National Award Winning film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, mourned the demise of the legendary athlete.
Akshay Kumar expressed deep condolences on the demise of track legend on his Twitter handle and wrote, "Incredibly sad to hear about the demise of #MilkhaSingh ji. The one character I forever regret not playing on-screen! May you have a golden run in heaven, Flying Sikh. Om shanti, Sir."
Global star Priyanka ChopraJonas also mourned the demise of the former athlete and recalled how his aura made their first meeting special.
"Warm and welcoming, you made our first meeting so so special. I have been inspired by your excellence, touched by your humility, influenced by your contribution to our country. Om Shanti #Milkha ji. Sending love and prayers to the family. #MilkhaSingh," she tweeted.
Megastar Shah Rukh Khan too paid an emotional tribute to Singh on Twitter and wrote, "The Flying Sikh may no longer be with us in person but his presence will always be felt and his legacy will remain unmatched... An inspiration to me... an inspiration to millions. Rest in Peace Milkha Singh sir."
READ |Obituary: The Race of Milkha Singh's Life
Taapsee Pannu seems to have been numb by the sad news of the demise of India's 'Flying Singh' as she wrote, "And he flew away," with a broken heart emoticon.
The legendary athlete is a four-time Asian Games gold-medallist and 1958 Commonwealth Games champion. He is still the only Indian athlete to win Gold in the Asian and Commonwealth Championship. He was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honor, in recognition of his sporting achievements.
Milkha died at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research in Chandigarh, where he was being treated for COVID-related complications. He is survived by one son and three daughters. His son Jeev Milkha Singh is also a renowned Golfer. Singh's wife and former Captain of the Indian Women National Volleyball team, Nirmal Milkha Singh succumbed to COVID-19 at the age of 85 on June 13.
