Bhaag Milkha Bhaag: Playing Milkha Singh's father didn't fit into Art Malik's comfort zone

Mumbai: British actor Art Malik will make his Bollywood debut with Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag'.

The movie is a biopic on legendary athlete Milkha Singh. In the film, Malik will play Sampuran Singh, Milkha Singh's father.

The role of Milkha Singh is being played by filmmaker-actor Farhan Akhtar.

The Pakistan-born actor has worked in several international projects, including 'True Lies', 'Sex And The City 2', 'City of Joy', 'Passage To India', 'Jewel In The Crown', 'Living Daylights' and 'The Far Pavilions'.

"Having portrayed English-speaking Indian characters in British and American projects, I have always wanted to use my mother tongue in an Indian film. And that was a wish unfulfilled for many years," Malik said in a statement here.

Malik was delighted when Mehra asked him to do the role.

"Everyone was immensely instructive in helping me portray a Sikh and in giving my character a voice. Playing the father of such a national icon and treasure, did not fit into my comfort zone, but I hope I have contributed positively to my first Indian film," he said.

Mehra says Malik was apt for the role and has brought universality to the character.

The film, also starring Sonam Kapoor, releases on July 12.