Mumbai: Former Indian Sprinter Milkha Singh, who tested positive for COVID-19 on May 20, passed away on Friday (June 18). He was 91. The 1958 Commonwealth Games champion, fondly known as Flying Sikh, was admitted to the ICU on June 3 due to dipping oxygen level. He died five days after the demise of his wife Nirmal Milkha Singh.  


Several Bollywood celebs including Priyanka Chopra, Shah Rukh Khan, Raveena Tandon, Mukesh Chhabra mourned Milkha Singh’s death on social media and offered condolence to his family. Priyanka recalled her first meeting with Singh and said that she was touched by his humility.


Also READ: Flying Sikh No More! Milkha Singh Passes Away Due To Covid-19; PM Modi Offers Condolences


"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," PeeCee's tweet read.



SRK said that Milkha Singh's legacy will remain unmatched and his presence will always be felt. King Khan posted a tweet that read, "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."



Raveena re-tweeted a photo with the legendary sprinter and said that he will always have a 'special place in everyone's hearts'.




"Had the honour of meeting you Sir, you will always have a special place in all our hearts ! Whenever we need to be inspired, “bhaag milkhe bhaag,” will resound in our ears ! Om Shanti," Tandon wrote.

 


 

Rahul Bose wrote, "What a sad day for India, what a sad day for sport. In the long hours I spent with Milkha Sir I was always struck by his fierce determination and his even fiercer generosity. An inspiration, period. Rest in peace, Sir. We mourn deeply. Love to @JeevMilkhaSingh
and the family."

 




'Naagin 3' actress Surbhi Jyoti tweeted, "Flying Sikh is no more. You were one of your kind. Rest in peace our hero."



Musician Ankit Tiwari wrote, "The legendary flying sikh completed the final race of life. May his soul rest in peace. We will always be proud of him. Milkha Singhji India will miss you. Om Shanti."



"Heartbreaking to heart the news of #MilkhaSingh ji’s demise. Rest in peace sir," 'Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hain' fame Aashif Sheikh tweeted.



Milkha Singh's Biopic


A film based on the life of Milkha Singh, titled 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag', was released on July 12, 2013. Farhan Akhtar played the titular role in the sports drama, which performed well at the box office. Sonam Kpoor, Divya Dutta, Meesha Shafi and Prakash Raj were seen in supporting roles in the Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra directorial. 


'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' will complete eight years of release next month.


Also READ: Wrong Milkha! Farhan Akhtar mistaken for legendary Milkha Singh in Bengal textbook; Internet shocked


Milkha Singh’s family issued a statement following his demise. “It is with extreme sadness that we would like to inform you that Milkha Singh Ji passed away. He fought hard but God has his ways and it was perhaps true love and companionship that both our mother Nirmal ji & now Dad have passed away in a matter of 5 days,” the statement read as quoted by ANI.


Watch this space for more updates!