Milind Soman Reflects on His Iconic Career and Friendship with Alisha Chinai
Milind Soman: A Timeless Icon
Long before the likes of Hrithik Roshan and Arjun Rampal captured the hearts of fans, Milind Soman, known for his role in 'Made In India,' was already a heartthrob. His journey began in modeling, which opened doors to music videos, films, and now, OTT platforms. Even before the rise of social media, Milind was a household name across India. Now in his 60s, he continues to impress audiences with roles that highlight his enduring talent. In a recent conversation with a media outlet, he discussed his experiences in the industry, including the topic of the casting couch.
Milind Soman on the Casting Couch
Milind Soman on casting couch
Milind Soman firmly stated that he never encountered the casting couch during his career. He explained that the fashion industry was relatively small in the 90s, and as a well-known model, he quickly ascended the ranks. “I reached the top very quickly. There was no casting couch for me. I was likely more recognized than many of the designers I collaborated with,” he shared. He reminisced about working with notable designers like Tarun Tahiliani and Rohit Bal, many of whom gained fame after his rise.
A Lasting Bond with Alisha Chinai
Friendship with Alisha Chinai
Milind also spoke fondly of his friendship with Alisha Chinai, expressing his admiration for her. “Alisha has always been incredibly kind. I cherish our bond and am thrilled with how our collaboration turned out. She was already a major star, making it a delightful experience,” he noted. He acknowledged that the success of 'Made In India' was unexpected, yet the song remains a favorite in India even after three decades.
Embracing His Sexuality in 'Made In India'
Owning sexuality in Made In India
In the exclusive interview, Milind discussed his comfort with his sexuality, which he showcased in the music video. “It’s a unique feeling that I’ve had since childhood. When 'Made In India' was released, I was just starting my modeling career, and everything I did gained popularity,” he explained. He reflected on how the public's reaction to the video was more about the concept than about him personally. “Today, when people criticize me, I realize they are expressing their perceptions, which have nothing to do with me. I find it quite amusing,” he added.
'Made In India,' featuring Milind and Alisha, debuted in 1995 and became the first album by an Indian pop artist to achieve sales comparable to Hindi film music, with over five million copies sold in India.