Actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar is considering playing legendary sportsman Milkha Singh in Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's upcoming film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. The film will trace Milkha's life, from the childhood in today's Pakistan, the Partition, and his achievements as an athlete in free India.

According to Bollywood sources, for the first time in his career, Farhan is contemplating being a part of a film outside his own production house Excel Entertainment.

He made his writing and directorial debut with the 2001 cult hit, Dil Chahta Hai, produced by Excel Entertainment, the production company he established along with Ritesh Sidwani. In 2008, he made his acting debut with Rock On. Earlier, there were reports of actor Akshay Kumar having been finalised for Milkha Singh's role, but director Mehra said the cast was yet to be decided. The film will go on the floors next year.