Rio Olympics row: Farhan Akhtar dodges question on Salman

Amidst the controversy on actor Salman Khan named the brand ambassador of the Indian contingent for the 2016 Summer Olympic to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Farhan Akhtar, who has played veteran athlete Milkha Singh in 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag,' feels whatever people's opinion be, its end of the day up to the Olympic committee to take the decision.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Farhan said, "I can't really contribute much to it. People have their own opinion; they are entitled to have their own opinion. It's eventually up to the Olympic committee to decide whom they want. They have given their decision, we have nothing to say."

Several members of the Indian sports fraternity have questioned the selection of the 'Dabangg' actor as brand ambassador.

2012 London Olympics bronze medalist Yogeshwar Dutt made his displeasure known through a series of tweets barely an hour after the decision was announced.

Veteran athlete Milkha Singh also said that a sports person should have been appointed as the brand ambassador.

Criticizing Milkha Singh for opposing the 50-year-old actor's selection as the brand ambassador, veteran actor Raza Murad said that the legendary athlete should be thankful to the film industry, which has made him popular yet again through the movie 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag'.

"With due respect to Milkha Singh and his words, he has not won a single medal in Olympics. If anyone is really worthy of being a brand ambassador after Salman is Abhinav Bindra. He is happy about Salman's selection," said Murad.

"Milkha Singh should not forget that the people had forgotten him till the movie 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' was made. So, it is due to this film industry that you have again become popular," he added.

Salman's father and veteran writer Salim Khan too lashed out at Milkha Singh in a series of tweets last night, saying the 'Dabangg' actor is an A-level swimmer, cyclist and weight-lifter.

"Salman may not have competed but is an A list swimmer, cyclist and weight lifter. Sportsmen are performing because of sports lovers like us," he tweeted.