'Hope youngsters take up athletics after watching Bhaag Milkha Bhaag

Veering off tradition, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra invited veteran athelete Milkha Singh to launch the trailer of his upcoming biopic Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, based on the icon's life.

The film's lead actors -- Sonam Kapoor and Farhan Akhtar were also present at the event.

Bhaag Milkha Bhaag opens in theatres this July 12.

Please click NEXT for more pictures.

With inputs from Onkar Singh

The lead actors of the film greet Milkha Singh on stage.

Also known as the flying Sikh, Singh was flown down from New Delhi for the event and appeared hopeful that the film will help youngsters know him better.

He's also happy with the effort put in by the film's team.

"I was shown the trailer in Chandigarh and I am very impressed with it," he said.

Sonam Kapoor, who was dressed in a pretty Anamika Khanna creation, teared up a bit after watching the trailer and said that it reminded her of all the hard work the team had put in in the film.

Director-producer Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra joins his actors and Milkha Singh for the unveiling.

Singh, who is yet to see the film, said, "I hope it captures the imagination of the younger generation and encourages them to take up athletics."

Singh gestures to the shutterbugs as he arrives for the trailer launch.

Akhtar, who underwent an intense training session to perfect his character in the film, said that he hoped it met Singh's expectations.