As a mark of respect to the late Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray, who passed away on Saturday, Bollywood cancelled various events that were scheduled to take place last weekend. Now, the latest news is that the team of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag has also done the same. The crew had planned to launch the film’s first look on the legendary sprinter’s 78th birthday on November 20. But the plans have now been cancelled in accordance with ace athlete Milkha Singh’s wishes.

“We were hoping to bring in Milkhaji’s birthday along with his family at Farhan Akhtar’s home. But as of now, all the plans stand cancelled,” says an insider. “Keeping the loss of Bal Thackeray in mind, it didn’t seem appropriate to plan a celebration.”

Farhan, who plays Milkha in Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s film, had specially invited the sprinter and his family to celebrate the
occasion with him and his team.

“The plan included Farhan hosting a birthday party in honour of Milkhaji before launching the first look at a five-star hotel in the city. But Milkhaji, Rakeysh and Farhan weren’t keen to go ahead with the celebration at such a sensitive time in Mumbai,” adds the insider.

While Farhan and Rakeysh remained unavailable for a comment, the film’s spokesperson confirmed the news, saying, “The entire team felt that it would be inappropriate to celebrate Milkhaji’s birthday or the launch of the film’s first look at this time.”