Book depicting Farhan Akhtar as Milkha Singh not published by West Bengal government: Derek O'Brien
Follow UsA day after Bollywood actor Farhan Akhtar tweeted to Trinamool MP Derek O'Brien about a "glaring error" in depicting legendary athlete Milkha Singh in West Bengal's school textbooks, the government denied publishing any such book for government schools.
On Sunday Akhtar had pointed out an error in textbooks which had shown a photo of him instead of 'flying Sikh'. He had urged the minister of School Education to recall and replace the textbooks.
To the Minister of School Education, West Bengal.
— Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) August 19, 2018
There is a glaring error with the image used in one of the school text books to depict Milkha Singh-ji. Could you please request the publisher to recall and replace this book?
Sincerely. @derekobrienmp https://t.co/RV2D3gV5bd
In his tweet, he had also tagged Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien.
On Monday, TMC MP responded to his request and said that he has clarified with Education minister of state who is telling him that the textbooks aren't for government schools nor are published by the government.
"Trying to track the private publishing company. They ought to correct the mistake in future editions," Derek O'Brien said in the tweet.
Thanks Farhan. Ref the wrong pic of Milkha Singh. Checked with Education Min of State. He tells me it isn’t a text book for government schools.Nor is it published by government. Trying to track the private publishing company. They ought to correct the mistake in future editions https://t.co/bV5gDU0jpr
— Derek O'Brien (@derekobrienmp) August 19, 2018
Farhan Akhtar too thanked the senior leader's response and said that he tagged him since he takes "education very seriously."
Farhan Akhtar had essayed the role of a legendary athlete in 2013's Bhaag Milkha Bhaag movie.
Akhtar had received critical acclaim for his performance and bagged National Awards in two categories - Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and Best Choreography.
Milkha Singh was the first Indian to win an individual athletics gold medal at Commonwealth Games in 1958.