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Milind resurfaces again

Milind Soman is out to try his luck at the box office once more

PHOTO: P.V. Sivakumar

SATISFIED! A happy marriage and a couple of films on hand keep Milind Soman occupied

Milind Soman is in news again. Yet to deliver a hit, recently his Valley of Flowers was screened in Delhi while his Katputtli is ready for release. Shot in Japan and Ladakh, Valley of Flowers has been panned by critics as a cocktail of sex and spirituality. "I agree the writer has taken liberties by incorporating too many sub-plots which might be confusing for some. We should not forget that it's an international film meant for a global audience."

At a time when more and more models find work in Bollywood, the laidback Milind doesn't go asking for work. "I need time for myself. I am also busy with my production house." After the moderate success of Rules-Pyar Ka Superhit Formula, he is ready with Phir Zindagi. "The film has been ready for long but I was not satisfied with the background score, so we changed it."

Once India's top model, he hasn't done an assignment for 10 years. "Most can't pay me my amount. And the rest, like the cigarette, pan masala and soft drinks, I don't want to promote." His space is still vacant. "You don't get supermodels easily and this is a global phenomenon. Has anybody really replaced Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell?"

What attracted him to his Valley of Flowers co-star, French actress Myelene Jampanoi? Though they are seeing each other for two years but he proposed her only a day before their July 12 wedding. "Earlier we used to think that we should first sort out the issues, particularly the distance part — she has assignments in Paris and I have to be in Mumbai. But then we thought we should get married first. She came to India for the Asian Film Festival. I took her to Goa for a holiday and proposed her. I thought if she refuses we would have a cup of coffee and go back!"

And marrying at 40? "Why not? Within days, I have realised living as a husband-wife is a completely different experience, no matter for how long you have been living together. As for my age, I feel I am more mature to handle a relationship."

ANUJ KUMAR

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