Run Milind Run

Anandita Gupta

The moment his bare-chested, lithe frame stepped out of a giant wooden trunk in Alisha Chinai’s music video Made In India, Milind Soman catapulted into a national crush of sorts. Since then, he’s stayed in the spotlight for decades, finding fame as a supermodel, actor, TV presenter and fitness enthusiast. Even at 58, Soman retains much of his Greek God charm. His sculpted physique, barefoot marathons and his incredible achievements in endurance sports, have rightfully earned him the title of Iron-Man of India. His advocacy for healthy, sustainable living and various fitness campaigns have always kept him in the news. And adding yet another feather to his overflowing cap, the fitness icon has now come up with his second book, Keep Moving.

Written by Roopa Pai (author of Milind Soman’s memoir Made In India), this book is a part-biography, part-fitness journey of the Soman trio. It documents the fitness journeys of 58-year-old Milind Soman, his 32-year-old wife Ankita Konwar and 85-year-old mother Usha. Delving into the fitness choices made by these three people of different age groups; the book explores their different perspectives on being holistically healthy.

We caught up with Milind Soman to know more about the book and his inspiring fitness journey that went into it. Excerpts:

How did you get the idea of writing this book?

The idea came from the publishing house Juggernaut— to explore how three people in one family stay fit. My mother Usha at 85, me at 59 and my wife Ankita at 33. We just decided that rather than a book of advice and tips, it should explain how three people from three different generations arrived a healthy, fit and sustainable lifestyle, through their individual choices.

What is the essential message of the book? Is age just a number when it comes to fitness?

My belief is that life is to be enjoyed, mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. All limits to enjoyment of life are within us. If we desire, we can change those limits to a certain extent with effort. At any age.

You’ve been a national-level swimmer and a marathon runner. Which, among these two, is closer to your heart?

As a child, I loved swimming so much that I spent an inordinate number of hours in the pool. As a grown-up, when I heard of a marathon in Mumbai, I kicked out what was holding me back and started running. At 50, I did my first Ironman Triathlon. So, my sportsman heart beats for both swimming and running. However, running is easier as you can run anywhere, but you need a pool or sea or lake to swim in.

You are a national fitness icon now. Tell us about your personal fitness routine.

I never go to the gym. I don’t have any fixed routine. But yes, my goal is to maintain a certain level of fitness. So, I just challenge myself regularly with different activities and movements.

Are you a morning person? What are your favourite morning rituals that recharge you for the day ahead?

No. I’m not at all a morning person. I get up around 8 am unless there is something exciting planned—like a run. Talking of morning rituals, I do a plank or a set of push-ups or a set of squats, or all of it, depending on how I feel.

Tell us something about your magic diet.

I have a lot of fruits and vegetables. Coconut water is my other favourite. In meals, I prefer khichadi, daal and rice. Otherwise, I don’t deny myself of anything I feel like, including pizzas, chaat, whatever. I try to minimise packaged foods, fried foods and foods made with refined ingredients like white sugar, maida, etc. Very rarely do I have coffee or tea. Sometimes, I indulge in hot chocolate.

What form of exercise would you recommend to our readers?

Exercise is a very intimidating term. If you want to be healthy, you need to be active. The human body is not made for ease and comfort. I recommend running a marathon at least once in your life. Endurance sport is a life-changing experience, emotionally and spiritually.

What keeps you so motivated?

Love of life. To be fit means to be able to enjoy your life fully, whether it is your job, your relationships, nature, adventure or even just the amazing capabilities of the body and mind you are gifted with.

What else are you working on right now?

The film Emergency will be releasing in September, in which I am playing the role of Field Marshall Manekshaw. Many more exciting projects are in development.