Farhan Akhtar says Milkha Singh didn’t mean to criticise Salman Khan, reports Vaibhav Juyal
Farhan Akhtar, who played Milkha Singh on screen, has defended the athlete for his opinion on Salman Khan’s controversial appointment as India’s goodwill ambassador at the Rio Olympics. He raised eyebrow over the issue saying the matter could have been reported out of context. “It is not for me to decide. It is up to the sports committee to decide who they want to promote as an ambassador. If they feel it’s the best decision then I am no one to say anything. But I feel that how the matter could have been transpired. I can feel what Milkha Singh ji said and how it was put out, I think it was very unfortunate,” he said on the sidelines of IIFA’s press conference in the Capital.
Salman’s father, Salim Khan, has criticised Milkha Singh for opposing his son’s association with the Olympics. “Milkhaji it is not Bollywood it is the Indian Film Industry and that too the largest in the world. The same industry which resurrected you from fading away in oblivion,” read Salim’s tweets, which also drew flak over the Internet.
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In what could be termed as a politically correct statement, Akhtar didn’t take any side on the issue which has left entertainment and sports fraternities divided. “I think he (Milkha Singh) was out on a public forum and he was asked his opinion on how he felt on an actor being ambassador of Olympic contingent. He just shared his views. He didn’t comment against any actor,” he said.
At the IIFA’s press meet, Akhtar was accompanied by Anil Kapoor. This year, the award ceremony will take place in Madrid, Spain. The event will be jointly anchored by Farhan Akhtar and Shahid Kapoor. “I would love to work with Shahid Kapoor,” Akhtar said.