Farhan gave me his handkerchief as I sat crying: Milkha Singh

Milkha Singh today said that he found it emotionally overwhelming to watch his childhood and life unfold on the big screen in "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag".

Milkha watched the biopic on his life during its premiere in London. "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag" is directed by Raykesh Omprakash Mehra and stars Farhan Akhtar as the legendary athlete.

"I saw the film in London three days back... I cried in the second half and it was Farhan who handed over his handkerchief to me to wipe my tears," Milkha told reporters here on the eve of film's release.

Milkha, who was accompanied by Farhan, Mehra, actress Sonam Kapoor and writer Prasoon Joshi, hoped that the film inspires younger generation.

Milkha said he knew nothing about film's as he never saw a film after 1960.

"It was my son Jeev Milkha Singh (a renowned golfer) who happens to watch Hindi films regularly and decided to hand over the story to Mehra as he had seen director's Rang De Basaanti," Milkha said.

Talking about the film, Milkha said Sonam had played the role of his girlfriend while Divya played his sister in the film.

"Today I am a happy man," Milkha said.