Milind Soman, a name synonymous with fitness, endurance, and versatility, is one of India’s most renowned personalities. From being the heartthrob of the 90s to becoming an epitome of healthy living and long-distance running, Milind’s journey is as inspiring as it is diverse. Over the decades, he has redefined his image multiple times—from a supermodel to an actor, producer, and marathoner, and now, a health and wellness advocate. This blog delves into his multifaceted life, tracing his roots, the heights of his career, and the impact he has made in the fitness world.
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Born on November 4, 1965, in Glasgow, Scotland, Milind Usha Soman moved to India at a young age. He spent his formative years in Mumbai, where he was raised in a Maharashtrian family that valued education and culture. His mother, Usha Soman, herself a fitness enthusiast, became an early inspiration for Milind’s active lifestyle.
Milind began his career in modeling in the late 80s when the industry was still in its nascent stages in India. His sharp features, tall frame, and effortless style caught the attention of several brands. The real breakthrough, however, came in 1995 when he appeared in Alisha Chinai’s music video for the song “Made in India.” His dashing looks and magnetic screen presence in the video catapulted him to overnight fame, making him a household name across the country.
| Instagram Link | https://www.instagram.com/milindrunning/?hl=en |
| Name | Milind Soman |
| Nick Name | Ironman of India |
| Maiden Name | N/A (Milind Soman’s birth name is Milind Usha Soman) |
| Birthday | November 4, 1965 |
| Birthday place | Glasgow, Scotland, UK |
| Residence | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Ethnicity | Maharashtrian |
| Profession: | Model, Actor, Producer, Fitness Enthusiast, Entrepreneur |
| Active Since: | 1989 (Began his career as a model) |
| Parents: | Father: Prabhakar Soman (Scientist) Mother: Usha Soman (Biochemist and Former Professor of Physical Education) |
| Siblings: | Three sisters: Netra, Medha, and Anupama Soman |
| High School: | Dr. Antonio Da Silva High School, Mumbai |
| University: | Saboo Siddik Engineering College, Mumbai (did not complete engineering) |
| Zodiac: | Scorpio |
| Age: | 58 (as of 2023) |
| Height: | 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) |
| Weight: | Approx. 75 kg (165 lbs) |
| Bust: | 40 inches |
| Waist | 32 inches |
| Hips: | Not publicly available |
| Measurements: | Not publicly available |
| Body type: | Athletic and Lean |
| Hair color: | Black (with visible signs of graying) |
| Eye color: | Brown |
| Net Worth: | Approx. $20 million (as of 2023) |
| Relationship: | Married |
| Partners/ Dated: | Spouse: Ankita Konwar (married in 2018) Ex-wife: Mylène Jampanoï (married in 2006, divorced in 2009) Past Relationships: Milind has dated several high-profile individuals, including Madhu Sapre, Shahana Goswami, and Dipannita Sharma. |
| Children | None |
Relationships and Marriage
Milind’s personal life has often been the subject of media attention, particularly his relationships. He was previously married to French actress Mylène Jampanoï in 2006. However, the couple divorced in 2009.
In 2018, Milind married Ankita Konwar, a flight attendant from Assam, India, who is 25 years younger than him. Their relationship attracted significant attention due to the age gap, but Milind and Ankita have always emphasized that age is irrelevant when it comes to love and understanding. The couple shares a strong bond, often seen traveling together and participating in fitness events, including marathons and treks. Their relationship has become a testament to the idea that shared values and mutual respect are the foundation of a successful marriage, irrespective of age differences.
Milind and Ankita often share their adventures on social media, from barefoot runs to scenic hikes, symbolizing their shared commitment to fitness and exploration. They have become a couple that many admire for their down-to-earth nature and love of life.
Unique Lifestyle Choices
Milind’s personal life reflects his philosophies on health, fitness, and simplicity. He follows a minimalist lifestyle, often talking about the importance of living with less and focusing on what truly matters—health, family, and experiences.
Milind is known for his unconventional approach to life, including his choice to run barefoot in marathons. He believes in natural fitness and promotes working out without the use of gym equipment. His diet is also simple and revolves around plant-based foods and intermittent fasting, which he follows as part of his routine to maintain health and energy.
Beyond fitness, Milind has embraced a deep connection with nature and the environment. He frequently shares his love for outdoor activities such as swimming, trekking, and running. His outlook on life encourages living in harmony with nature and being conscious of the environment, which is evident in his lifestyle choices.
Social Advocacy and Personal Beliefs
Milind Soman’s personal life is also marked by his strong beliefs and advocacy for social causes. He is a staunch advocate of women’s health and fitness, which led him to start the Pinkathon movement, India’s largest women’s run. Through Pinkathon, Milind has empowered women of all ages to take charge of their health and fitness while raising awareness about breast cancer.
Milind also actively promotes body positivity and challenges societal norms around age and fitness. He has often spoken against the pressure to conform to specific standards of beauty and aging. His public persona is a blend of charm, humility, and a strong sense of purpose, making him a role model for many.
Milind Soman’s Foray into Acting
While modeling brought him fame, Milind was quick to diversify his career. He stepped into the world of acting, appearing in Indian television series and films. His television debut came with the popular series Captain Vyom, a sci-fi show that aired in the late 90s. Milind portrayed the titular role of Captain Vyom, a space-faring superhero, which garnered him significant attention for his unique choice of genre.
He later appeared in Bollywood films such as 16 December (2002) and Rules: Pyaar Ka Superhit Formula (2003), showcasing his acting chops. His versatility also extended to regional cinema, where he appeared in Marathi, Tamil, and English films. Despite being primarily known for his modeling, Milind proved his prowess as a performer in the entertainment industry.
List of show: Television, Film and Webseries
Milind Usha Soman has worked in various television shows, films, and web series over the years, across different languages and platforms. Below is a list of some of the most notable shows and movies he has appeared in:
TV Shows:
- Captain Vyom (1998) – Milind played the titular role of a space superhero in this Indian sci-fi TV series.
- Sea Hawks (1997) – A popular Indian TV series where Milind played the role of Commander Vikram Rajpurohit.
- A Mouthful of Sky (1995) – One of India’s first English-language television series.
- Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi (2010) – Milind participated as a contestant in this popular Indian reality show.
- Paurashpur (2020) – A Hindi web series where Milind played the role of Boris, a gender-fluid character.
- Four More Shots Please! (2019-2020) – Milind appeared in this popular Amazon Prime web series as Dr. Aamir Warsi.
Bollywood Films:
- 16 December (2002) – A Bollywood thriller where Milind played a key role.
- Rules: Pyaar Ka Superhit Formula (2003) – A romantic comedy film where Milind played the role of Vikram Verma.
- Bheja Fry (2007) – A popular comedy film where Milind had a cameo appearance.
- Jodi Breakers (2012) – Milind appeared in this romantic comedy film alongside R. Madhavan and Bipasha Basu.
- Bajirao Mastani (2015) – In this historical epic directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Milind played the role of Ambaji Pant.
Regional and International Films:
- Gandha: Smell (2009) – A Marathi film by Sachin Kundalkar.
- Paiyaa (2010) – A Tamil romantic action film where Milind played the role of an antagonist.
- The Valley (2017) – An American independent film where Milind played a father coping with the loss of his daughter.
Web Series:
- Made in Heaven (2019) – Milind made a cameo appearance in this popular Amazon Prime series.
- Paurashpur (2020) – Milind played a significant role in this period drama web series on ALTBalaji.
Milind Soman served as a judge on the popular Indian fashion reality show “India’s Next Top Model“. This show airs on MTV India and features aspiring models competing in various challenges to win the title, and Milind was one of the key judges on the panel during its various seasons.
Milind Soman’s career spans across genres and mediums, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He continues to appear in both mainstream and independent projects.
Fitness Journey: More Than Just Good Looks
In the mid-2000s, Milind Soman shifted his focus from acting and modeling towards fitness, which has since become his calling card. His journey toward becoming one of India’s foremost fitness advocates began when he realized that maintaining a healthy lifestyle was integral to both physical and mental well-being.
Milind became a regular at marathons and endurance events, inspiring millions by completing some of the toughest races globally. One of his most notable achievements was completing the Ironman Triathlon in Zurich, Switzerland, in 2015, at the age of 50. The Ironman is considered one of the most grueling endurance races, consisting of a 3.86 km swim, 180.25 km bike ride, and a 42.2 km run, all to be completed within 17 hours. Milind finished the race in 15 hours and 19 minutes, proving that age is no barrier to fitness.
Promoting Fitness in India
Milind Soman has been a trailblazer in promoting fitness and healthy living across India. One of his most significant contributions to the fitness community is the creation of the Pinkathon, India’s largest women’s run, which encourages women of all ages and fitness levels to embrace a healthier lifestyle. Pinkathon aims to raise awareness about women’s health issues, particularly breast cancer. Milind’s initiative has encouraged thousands of women to take part in running events, promoting fitness and self-care.
In addition to his advocacy through events like Pinkathon, Milind has consistently championed fitness through his personal lifestyle. His Instagram feed is filled with pictures of him running barefoot, swimming, or practicing yoga, offering a glimpse into his disciplined daily routine. His no-gym workout routines and emphasis on natural fitness, including bodyweight exercises, have made him a relatable figure for fitness enthusiasts of all levels.
Running Barefoot: A Philosophy of Connection
One of the most unique aspects of Milind’s fitness journey is his passion for running barefoot. He believes that running without shoes strengthens the feet and provides a more authentic connection with the earth. Milind’s decision to run barefoot was inspired by the tribal people of Africa, who run long distances without shoes.
In 2020, he completed the ‘Ultrathon‘ by running 100 kilometers barefoot in 12 hours as part of the Green Initiative organized by the NEB Sports. The run was an effort to promote a cleaner environment and encourage the public to take part in fitness activities. His passion for barefoot running has sparked conversations about alternative fitness methods and challenged conventional ideas about what constitutes proper athletic gear.
Milind Soman’s Diet: The Secret to Eternal Youth
Milind Soman is known for maintaining his ageless appearance and peak fitness levels. A big part of this is his diet, which he keeps simple, clean, and healthy. Milind follows a predominantly plant-based diet, focusing on fresh, natural ingredients. He avoids processed foods, sugar, and alcohol and emphasizes the importance of eating in moderation.
In several interviews, Milind has shared that he practices intermittent fasting, a diet regimen that involves fasting for a certain number of hours each day. For Milind, intermittent fasting is not just a tool for weight management, but a way of letting his body heal and rejuvenate.
He typically eats two meals a day—one at noon and another at around 7 PM. His meals usually consist of fruits, vegetables, grains, and occasionally some fish.
Milind’s holistic approach to fitness extends beyond just physical exercise; it includes mindfulness, a balanced diet, and regular sleep, all of which contribute to his youthful vigor and overall well-being.
Overcoming Challenges and Staying Relevant
Milind Soman’s journey has not been without its challenges. In an industry that often glorifies youth, staying relevant as a model and actor has required constant evolution. However, Milind’s ability to reinvent himself—whether through fitness, social causes, or public speaking—has helped him remain a prominent figure in Indian popular culture.
One of the significant turning points in his life was when he was diagnosed with asthma at a young age. For years, this condition limited his physical activities. However, Milind did not let asthma define him. He worked hard to build his stamina, ultimately becoming a symbol of endurance and fitness in India.
Another challenge Milind has spoken about is the difficulty of maintaining his fitness regimen while balancing other life commitments. Despite a busy work schedule and personal life, he prioritizes health and wellness. His discipline and perseverance have made him a role model for people struggling to juggle multiple responsibilities.
Social Impact and Advocacy
Milind Soman’s influence extends beyond fitness and entertainment. He has used his platform to advocate for various social issues, particularly those related to women’s health and gender equality. Pinkathon, as mentioned earlier, is one of his most impactful initiatives. The event not only encourages women to embrace fitness but also raises funds for breast cancer treatment and awareness.
Milind has also been vocal about body positivity and ageism, challenging the societal norms that define beauty and fitness standards. His marriage to Ankita Konwar, who is 25 years younger than him, attracted media attention, sparking conversations about age differences in relationships. Milind, however, has always maintained that age is just a number and that mutual respect and understanding are far more critical in a relationship than the age gap.
Legacy and Future Goals
Milind Soman continues to inspire millions across the world with his commitment to health, fitness, and wellness. His legacy is not just about looking good on the outside but about nurturing a healthy mind, body, and soul. He has paved the way for a new generation of fitness enthusiasts who prioritize holistic well-being over conventional beauty standards.
Looking ahead, Milind has expressed his desire to continue promoting fitness and endurance sports. He plans to organize more running events and hopes to inspire even more people, particularly women, to take control of their health. He is also focused on spreading awareness about environmental sustainability, which is a cause close to his heart.
Conclusion
Milind Usha Soman’s life is a testament to the fact that age is not a barrier to achieving greatness. Whether it’s his modeling career, acting, fitness journey, or social initiatives, Milind has excelled in every field he has ventured into. His enduring charm, unwavering discipline, and relentless pursuit of a healthy lifestyle have made him an icon for generations. For those looking to lead a healthier, more balanced life, Milind Soman serves as an inspiration, proving that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself and embrace your true potential.
