Model-turned-actor Milind Soman’s Adonis status remains unbeatable. Superhot even at 43, he’s probably the only one to look a stunner even in long tresses and cropped beard. From posing nude with ace model Madhu Sapre for a shoe ad, wedding at 40 with French actress Mylene Jampanoi to mediocre film career, Milind has sailed through with confidence and charm.

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Has Bangalore changed from the last time you visited it?

I remember Bangalore as a small yet vibrant and green City. People were a lot into the arts like English theatre and western music. Today Bangalore is more IT-driven, more polluted just like any other metro.

Tell us about your upcoming film ‘Bhram’.

‘Bhram’ is about two brothers played by Dino Morea and me. In the first half, Dino is shown searching for truth. Many illusions are broken as he finds out. The structure of the film is complex.

Films in the pipeline.

I have just finished shooting for The Flag. A period film set in 1942, it revolves around a village in the interiors of Gujarat, who is unaware of the British control in India. When they do realise, there’s an uprising. I am joined by model-turned-actor Rahul Dev, Ashmit Patel, newcomers and villagers from Bhuj.

How about South Indian films?

I have done a Tamil film, the title of which translates into Parrot with a String of Pearls. It was fun learning Tamil dialogues. At least I could dub. When I did the Indo-Japanese-French film ‘Valley of Flowers’, the dialogues had to be in sync. I had to deliver my dialogues in Japanese on location. Please don’t ask me to repeat any because I don’t remember (laughs).

Describe your supermodel-dum days.

Those days, there were just 25 of us. We were a family travelling the world together. Today there are hundreds of models (sighs). Moreover, neither the designers nor the ads have improved an inch. I still hate photography shoots. I don’t like posing. I like ramp shows, something I stopped 12 years ago. People still ask me for ramp shows. Money is big but I don’t want to do it anymore.
 
What was your parent’s reaction to the controversial shoe ad with Madhu Sapre?

My father was in a village at that time. So, he never saw it. My mother was in South Africa. She saw a print in a magazine. Unaware of the hue and cry the ad had raised in India, she called me up and said, “What a beautiful picture of you and Madhu. Who took it?” (chuckles) I didn’t even bother to tell her about the dust it had kicked off.

Swimmer, electrical engineer, model, actor - what next?

I have four businesses now - TV production, film production, event management and now I am building a residential spa in Alibaug. I may soon work in TV serial developed by my company.

You truly exemplify the phrase ‘Life begins as 40’. Do you agree?

Actually yes. I started my businesses after turning 40. I got married at 40.

How is it managing a long-distance marriage?

Mylene and I meet once in three weeks in different countries. Moreover, there is huge age and cultural difference. It’s difficult and I am actually surprised it has lasted three years (smiles). Mylene’s busy too making a mark in Paris. She’s the next face of Christian Dior. It’ll take another good four years before we decide to settle down at one place. Perhaps, I will move to Paris.

And how is it managing the long tresses?

Trust me, it’s tough (laughs). I don’t know how girls maintain long hair. It’s like a pet who you need to constantly pamper. My wife hates the beard but I think it suits my personality. I may go a little short like Jon Bon Jovi this summer but will never take my beard off.