Filmmaker-actor Farhan Akhtar’s training for the anticipated Bhaag Milkha Bhaag seems to have helped him in more ways than one. All thanks to his preparation for the role, Farhan recently made his daughters, Shakya and Akira, proud in front of their entire school. “There was a sports day organised specially for the students’ parents at Dhirubhai Ambani International School, which is where Shakya and Akira study. Though Farhan was initially a bit hesitant to participate in the function, he agreed to do so only on the insistence of his daughters,” says an insider close the actor. “He was actually quite embarrassed because all the other parents, who he would have to compete against, were also his friends.”

However, when Farhan took the lead in all the racing events, everyone was stunned. “He literally ran away with all the top trophies,” says the insider, adding, “He is a very involved father and he did this only for his children.”

Over the last two years, Farhan has physically transformed himself for the legendary athlete, Milkha Singh’s biopic — Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, which releases this July. 

“He is in very good shape right now, considering he has been training, especially in running, for two years now,” says the source. “And because Farhan knew he was much better prepared than all the other parents, he tried his best to be a sport about it. His daughters were on cloud nine and that’s what makes him happiest.”

In the coming weeks, Farhan will soon get busy with shooting for Shaadi Ki Side Effects with Vidya Balan, the sequel to the 2006 film, Pyaar Ke Side Effects.
Farhan’s spokesperson confirmed the news.