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Made in India: A Memoir
There's more to Milind Soman than meets the eye (although, as his legions of female fans will agree, what meets the eye is pretty delish).
Combining in himself the passion of an entrepreneur, the mind of a nerd, the discipline of an athlete, the curiosity of an explorer, the heart of a patriot and the soul of a philosopher, Milind has made the stunning-and apparently seamless- transition from champion swimmer to supermodel to actor to extreme sportsperson to women's fitness activist, enabler and proselytiser, all in one lifetime.
How does he do it? What makes him tick? On the twenty-fifth anniversary of 'Made in India', the breakout pop music video of the 1990s that captured the apna-time-aagaya zeitgeist of post-liberalization India and made him the nation's darling across genders and generations, Milind talks about his fascinating life-controversies, relationships, the breaking of vicious habits like smoking, alcohol, rage, and more-in a freewheeling, bare-all (easy, ladies-we're talking soul-wise!) memoir.
Co-authored with bestselling author Roopa Pai, MADE IN INDIA is a rare glimpse into the mind and heart of a very unusual man that will leave you thoughtful, awed and inspired.
Combining in himself the passion of an entrepreneur, the mind of a nerd, the discipline of an athlete, the curiosity of an explorer, the heart of a patriot and the soul of a philosopher, Milind has made the stunning-and apparently seamless- transition from champion swimmer to supermodel to actor to extreme sportsperson to women's fitness activist, enabler and proselytiser, all in one lifetime.
How does he do it? What makes him tick? On the twenty-fifth anniversary of 'Made in India', the breakout pop music video of the 1990s that captured the apna-time-aagaya zeitgeist of post-liberalization India and made him the nation's darling across genders and generations, Milind talks about his fascinating life-controversies, relationships, the breaking of vicious habits like smoking, alcohol, rage, and more-in a freewheeling, bare-all (easy, ladies-we're talking soul-wise!) memoir.
Co-authored with bestselling author Roopa Pai, MADE IN INDIA is a rare glimpse into the mind and heart of a very unusual man that will leave you thoughtful, awed and inspired.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 23, 2020
35 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
July 24, 2020
Full of life lessons. Milind is the monk who sold his Ferrari so that he could instead Run !
Milind is full of not only wit, but also wisdom. This was a great way to get a deep peek inside his head and understand the stuff he is made up of .
Milind is full of not only wit, but also wisdom. This was a great way to get a deep peek inside his head and understand the stuff he is made up of .
February 10, 2020
Milind starts the book and begins his full marathon as well. Loved the way he has written about his journey but i expected more stories of his modelling days in detail. He has highlighted the main episodes in his career like his entry into modelling but he should have described more on how he became a supermodel. Not much is said about Made in India song.
He has discussed in great detail about how he became a runner and the positive side effects thereby. It is motivating tale to read him becoming Ironman and Ultraman in the 50's.
All in all it is a wonderful read but that final flavor is missing somewhere.
He has discussed in great detail about how he became a runner and the positive side effects thereby. It is motivating tale to read him becoming Ironman and Ultraman in the 50's.
All in all it is a wonderful read but that final flavor is missing somewhere.
February 12, 2020
'And what difference does it make , anyway , what you like and what you don't like? You are here for but an instant , and you mustn't take yourself too seriously'. -Edgar Rice Burroughs.
This quote from the book surmises milind's entire life.He talks about swimming , fashion , running , his love life and everything in between. an excellent book and roopa rai has done awesome work. The book sets out to give a keyhole peek into milind's life and succeeds in it.
This quote from the book surmises milind's entire life.He talks about swimming , fashion , running , his love life and everything in between. an excellent book and roopa rai has done awesome work. The book sets out to give a keyhole peek into milind's life and succeeds in it.
March 12, 2020
You read it for a Cause, YOU
The book is a fantastically written. You can breeze through it in a sitting. I'd recommend it anyone wanting to do something better with his or her time. It's a non judgemental and unapologetic account of one's successful journey through life.
The book is a fantastically written. You can breeze through it in a sitting. I'd recommend it anyone wanting to do something better with his or her time. It's a non judgemental and unapologetic account of one's successful journey through life.
January 30, 2020
A very well written book with lot of insight into the life of a human being who has made himself an epitome of fitness
February 21, 2020
Well written!
I am a big fan of this man! And the book shows why he has such a huge fan following. A person so famous yet so down-to-earth, constantly challenging himself and inspiring others through his work that is what Milind Soman is all about.He has proved that age is just a number.The Ironman and Ultraman of India,he is truly a inspiration!The book is really well written and engaging. Way to go!
I am a big fan of this man! And the book shows why he has such a huge fan following. A person so famous yet so down-to-earth, constantly challenging himself and inspiring others through his work that is what Milind Soman is all about.He has proved that age is just a number.The Ironman and Ultraman of India,he is truly a inspiration!The book is really well written and engaging. Way to go!
March 15, 2020
Very inspiring, I didn't know Milind soman was involved in so many things. I could relate to a lot of things he said- like being open to new experiences, but running ultra-marathon is still beyond me. Hope I understand it one day!
Writing is very fresh and simple. Would recommend.
P.S. - I might be the only one who got selfie with Mr. Soman at the Pinkathon without having to do pushups 😅🙈
Writing is very fresh and simple. Would recommend.
P.S. - I might be the only one who got selfie with Mr. Soman at the Pinkathon without having to do pushups 😅🙈
February 24, 2020
Interesting Book...Talks about his journey from School in England to moving back to Mumbai, India and then how he goes on to become a model ...Makes for quick reading.
March 7, 2020
Excellent
Being fitness freak myself I can relate and inspire with your story. God bless you. 5 more words required. Thanjs
Being fitness freak myself I can relate and inspire with your story. God bless you. 5 more words required. Thanjs
June 4, 2020
A very raw and unpretentious view of his life, his decisions, the role serendipity has played, why running is very close to him and why he seeks adventures all the time. Loved reading it. Definitely a good read for a person interested in running and fitness as a way of life.
April 23, 2020
A fitness enthusiast myself, I have been following Milind Soman for quite some time now, particularly since he became Ironman! I liked this book for the way it flows, where his first full marathon is used as the main narrative binding the pages of the book and the intermittent flashbacks form the actual story pages. An apt analogy would be the Bollywood movie '3 Idiots'. Its a philosophical read and many takeaways, if one chooses to!
April 12, 2020
This book provides a wonderful insight into Milind Soman's life journey so far. It's honest,it's real,it's truly inspiring coming from someone who is an epitome of fitness, and it's a breeze to read through.
April 13, 2020
Nice read, and inspiring to start running.
January 5, 2022
When I was growing up, @milindrunning had become quite a heartthrob. A supermodel, with devilish handsome looks, made girls swoon specially after the famous music video Made In India by Alisha Chinai.
I was not particularly fond of him as I found him arrogant and I found one of his comments on mating (lions should mate with lions) quite disgusting. I have since then learned that appearances can be deceptive and quotes are sometimes only to get attention.
I started admiring him when he started his running journey. From a supermodel he went on to become the Iron man of India(at 50 no less - how's that for amazing?). Also I loved how he was still a boy from Shivaji Park. Other celebrities would have moved to Bandra or more opulent Juhu.
I digress, looking at his enthusiasm with fitness, I started following his journey. I was more amazed by his mother. And it was so heartwarming to see them run together. He is one of the reasons I started taking part in marathons (though mine was mainly walking rather than running)
His Not a Sanghi who went to a shakha comment from his memoir shocked me to say the least. I have never imagined him to be associated with RSS in any way. That made me want to read his memoir, to know him more and erase any prejudices I had about him.
Milind takes us from his childhood in London to coming back to India to his Swimming journey, to his modelling days and how he began running interspersed with the events happening around him alongside.
It has been a delightful read. Milind has not shied away from saying some unpleasant truths, like his relationship with his father. He has also not shied away from talking about Madhu Sapre, with whom he had a relationship and had modelled with her in "that" ad which took the country by storm and is still remembered! I enjoyed learning about the disciplined life he has led (barring his modelling years) and this definitely should be an inspiration for everyone.
I was not particularly fond of him as I found him arrogant and I found one of his comments on mating (lions should mate with lions) quite disgusting. I have since then learned that appearances can be deceptive and quotes are sometimes only to get attention.
I started admiring him when he started his running journey. From a supermodel he went on to become the Iron man of India(at 50 no less - how's that for amazing?). Also I loved how he was still a boy from Shivaji Park. Other celebrities would have moved to Bandra or more opulent Juhu.
I digress, looking at his enthusiasm with fitness, I started following his journey. I was more amazed by his mother. And it was so heartwarming to see them run together. He is one of the reasons I started taking part in marathons (though mine was mainly walking rather than running)
His Not a Sanghi who went to a shakha comment from his memoir shocked me to say the least. I have never imagined him to be associated with RSS in any way. That made me want to read his memoir, to know him more and erase any prejudices I had about him.
Milind takes us from his childhood in London to coming back to India to his Swimming journey, to his modelling days and how he began running interspersed with the events happening around him alongside.
It has been a delightful read. Milind has not shied away from saying some unpleasant truths, like his relationship with his father. He has also not shied away from talking about Madhu Sapre, with whom he had a relationship and had modelled with her in "that" ad which took the country by storm and is still remembered! I enjoyed learning about the disciplined life he has led (barring his modelling years) and this definitely should be an inspiration for everyone.
April 26, 2020
Week 17 Book 10
Made in India by Milind Soman
Rating 3/5
Having idolised Milind Soman since my teenage, it was obvious I'd pick up this book. I didn't get to buy it before corona, so read the ebook version.
It was quite interesting to read about the only Indian guy I've crushed on so much. He is almost 55, but has fans in women across all ages, and for good reason.
Apart from his Greek god looks, he is a known national level swimmer, and famous for winning the Ironman and Ultraman championships in his 50s.
The book takes us through his life journey, from his days in the UK to Shivaji Park Dadar. From being obsessed about and winning accolades in swimming to suddenly quitting at 23. Only to land up in the glamour world, and a few soups thereafter.
And who doesn't know him as the guy behind the Pinkathon movement! He has made running cool. And non elitist. You don't need fancy clothes or shoes. You can run in dhoti or saree and in chappals or even barefoot!
It was surprising to know many things about him, which I won't reveal to keep the suspense. He sometimes almost sounds pompous, but balances it well with acknowledgement of his weaknesses and mistakes.
All in all, an interesting look into a much loved man in India. It's a short and sweet, easy read. I'd recommend it to non fans too: if nothing else, his health and fitness journey is most inspirational!
Made in India by Milind Soman
Rating 3/5
Having idolised Milind Soman since my teenage, it was obvious I'd pick up this book. I didn't get to buy it before corona, so read the ebook version.
It was quite interesting to read about the only Indian guy I've crushed on so much. He is almost 55, but has fans in women across all ages, and for good reason.
Apart from his Greek god looks, he is a known national level swimmer, and famous for winning the Ironman and Ultraman championships in his 50s.
The book takes us through his life journey, from his days in the UK to Shivaji Park Dadar. From being obsessed about and winning accolades in swimming to suddenly quitting at 23. Only to land up in the glamour world, and a few soups thereafter.
And who doesn't know him as the guy behind the Pinkathon movement! He has made running cool. And non elitist. You don't need fancy clothes or shoes. You can run in dhoti or saree and in chappals or even barefoot!
It was surprising to know many things about him, which I won't reveal to keep the suspense. He sometimes almost sounds pompous, but balances it well with acknowledgement of his weaknesses and mistakes.
All in all, an interesting look into a much loved man in India. It's a short and sweet, easy read. I'd recommend it to non fans too: if nothing else, his health and fitness journey is most inspirational!
March 20, 2020
well, just an ok kinda book.
I have been following Milind Soman since a few months on instagram. I know about Made In india music video, December 16, Captain Vyom and other of his tv avatars. But I am not kinda very impressed by the book, few are my observations below.
1. Book speaks more about his movies/modelling/running/swimming etc etc. These are all the things which I feel are extrovertial, something an individual does. He nowhere mentions what are his take aways based on his these areas, what did inspire him, his learnings. May be he has mentioned, but they are very scanty. like his bouts of anger and how he chose not to react and how by observing his mother he learnt not to fight everything, instead accept and let it coexist or be a part of the ecosystem.
2. On his instagram profile, he mentions he is spiritual and not religious, I purchased the kindle version hoping to get a peek into what spiritual person he is. But the book falls short in any form of spritualism, may be the author chose not to give it away or may be, he is spiritual but unable to express? may be Roopa Rai could have helped?
3. He mentions he wrote the autobiography because he felt people could learn something from his life, well, to be honest, what to learn, I am wondering, I agree he swam for a good 10+ years, was fit, is fit, chose to over come bouts of anger, was a model, TV / movie personality, but please tell me other than fitness/swimming, what is accesible to a common man in this era? I'm not finding an excuse but to do all these do we have sufficient money? never mind.
4. He spent good 7 years in UK and o boy, after reading Ruskin Bond's narrative of India during his childhood days, I was expecting Milind Soman to write something atleast about how was UK during his childhood days, but none as such, abstract mention of UK country side, trips, fishing, etc etc. Other than that none whatsoever about the weather/people/food/important places etc. May be I am expecting too much.
5. He tells his mother was working, but never mentions how his mother managed 4 kids and went to work, what was her struggle any learnings from her? he only tells he comes from a family where all ladies are fit. I agree but how? only genetics, which brings me to the next point.
6. I think genetics has played a huge role in what Milind Soman is. I agree he put in effort ate correct, trained, consistently, but for body to take all of these parameters as input, one should have a solid genetics playing its natural game.
7. Book dives less into Milind Soman as a person, most of it is all about people/movies/TV/modelling/smoking and stuffs which concern externally, but how one's mind is trained for all the nitty gritty challenges, well it might be there, but I was looking for a bit more depth!
So in a way, I guess he is blessed to be at the right place at the right time, plus the consistent effort of course, from his part. That's all.
Cheerio,
I have been following Milind Soman since a few months on instagram. I know about Made In india music video, December 16, Captain Vyom and other of his tv avatars. But I am not kinda very impressed by the book, few are my observations below.
1. Book speaks more about his movies/modelling/running/swimming etc etc. These are all the things which I feel are extrovertial, something an individual does. He nowhere mentions what are his take aways based on his these areas, what did inspire him, his learnings. May be he has mentioned, but they are very scanty. like his bouts of anger and how he chose not to react and how by observing his mother he learnt not to fight everything, instead accept and let it coexist or be a part of the ecosystem.
2. On his instagram profile, he mentions he is spiritual and not religious, I purchased the kindle version hoping to get a peek into what spiritual person he is. But the book falls short in any form of spritualism, may be the author chose not to give it away or may be, he is spiritual but unable to express? may be Roopa Rai could have helped?
3. He mentions he wrote the autobiography because he felt people could learn something from his life, well, to be honest, what to learn, I am wondering, I agree he swam for a good 10+ years, was fit, is fit, chose to over come bouts of anger, was a model, TV / movie personality, but please tell me other than fitness/swimming, what is accesible to a common man in this era? I'm not finding an excuse but to do all these do we have sufficient money? never mind.
4. He spent good 7 years in UK and o boy, after reading Ruskin Bond's narrative of India during his childhood days, I was expecting Milind Soman to write something atleast about how was UK during his childhood days, but none as such, abstract mention of UK country side, trips, fishing, etc etc. Other than that none whatsoever about the weather/people/food/important places etc. May be I am expecting too much.
5. He tells his mother was working, but never mentions how his mother managed 4 kids and went to work, what was her struggle any learnings from her? he only tells he comes from a family where all ladies are fit. I agree but how? only genetics, which brings me to the next point.
6. I think genetics has played a huge role in what Milind Soman is. I agree he put in effort ate correct, trained, consistently, but for body to take all of these parameters as input, one should have a solid genetics playing its natural game.
7. Book dives less into Milind Soman as a person, most of it is all about people/movies/TV/modelling/smoking and stuffs which concern externally, but how one's mind is trained for all the nitty gritty challenges, well it might be there, but I was looking for a bit more depth!
So in a way, I guess he is blessed to be at the right place at the right time, plus the consistent effort of course, from his part. That's all.
Cheerio,
March 23, 2020
Part of the publishing industrial-complex of getting film personalities to write 'memoirs' in the guise of self-help and self-promotion, this book does little to move the needle on how much we understand Milind Soman. Apart from the flexes of how many girlfriends he has had and what a great body he has (perhaps having a woman who clearly lusts after him write this book was a bad idea or perhaps it is the perfect demographic, I am not sure who this book caters to) there is little more than painting the picture of an ideal Soman. There are moments where you are moved by his perseverance to run, gosh darn it those races he has participated in, (running from Ahmedabad to Mumbai?!) but the book never gets into his head in those moments,it is merely glossed over and almost romanticized. Running is an act that is as exhausting as it is exhilarating- you feel none of these emotions, but merely a watered down sense of narcissism and patronizing.
If you want to read a book that push you towards running again, I suggest Murakami's What Do I Mean When I Talk About Running. This book is at best an ode to Soman's spectacular beauty which has aged like fine wine. Apart from peppering it with his quirks (he doesn't use soap at all, washes his hair once a month, and doesn't listen to music on his runs) there is little else that kept me going.
If you want to read a book that push you towards running again, I suggest Murakami's What Do I Mean When I Talk About Running. This book is at best an ode to Soman's spectacular beauty which has aged like fine wine. Apart from peppering it with his quirks (he doesn't use soap at all, washes his hair once a month, and doesn't listen to music on his runs) there is little else that kept me going.
April 20, 2020
Good read. Milind soman was honest and straightforward in his confessions about his learnings from the endurance journey. Being a runner and taking it as a meditative process and integrating everything together as I go on in life I could absolutely relate to every experience here. Good going, champ!
August 14, 2020
I had been talking about cooking/reading 'Made in India' yesterday, some of you might have seen my post about it. I was listening to 'Made in India' last week. And I am reading another 'Made of India' today. That's a lot of India and patriotism to pack in less than a week, won't you say?
Well all these three 'Made in India's are different. What I was reading yesterday, was the book by that title, by Kunal Vijaykar. What I was listening to last week was the super popular iconic song by Alisha Chinai. And what I am reading today is the memoir by the same title, by @milindrunning
Ever since he popped out of that wooden box, he's left everyone spellbound. Turn his book around, and it says, "There's more to Milind Soman than meets the eye (although, as his legions of female fans will agree, what meets the eye is pretty delish)" . I beg to differ. Why only female fans. I am sure people of all genders find Milind to be delish, and more importantly, inspirational & iconic.
I am halfway through the book, and it seems like a gentle pleasing breeze. It tells me how embracing life can be the way to live life to the fullest. And it does make me feel way better about me, not having any defined plan for the future. Life can surprise you in ways you can't even imagine, taking you down paths you never thought you would take. Thank you, I feel I might just be alright.
There are countless people who began running after seeing Milind run, people who already used to run but went ahead with running barefoot seeing Milind. And there will be so many like me, who felt so happy buying Deivee products, just because it was Milind's brand. And then there is a hoard of people I am sure who takes the local train to Dadar to go to Shivaji Park, just to catch a glimpse of this 'bad guy' (to know why I said 'bad guy', read the book)
Loving the book. If you think you will finish the book and have this urge to run a full marathin next year, probably not. That you have to do on your own, no tips to make miracles happen here. But I lile the book for its simplicity, for its honesty, and for it is making me feel better about myself
Well all these three 'Made in India's are different. What I was reading yesterday, was the book by that title, by Kunal Vijaykar. What I was listening to last week was the super popular iconic song by Alisha Chinai. And what I am reading today is the memoir by the same title, by @milindrunning
Ever since he popped out of that wooden box, he's left everyone spellbound. Turn his book around, and it says, "There's more to Milind Soman than meets the eye (although, as his legions of female fans will agree, what meets the eye is pretty delish)" . I beg to differ. Why only female fans. I am sure people of all genders find Milind to be delish, and more importantly, inspirational & iconic.
I am halfway through the book, and it seems like a gentle pleasing breeze. It tells me how embracing life can be the way to live life to the fullest. And it does make me feel way better about me, not having any defined plan for the future. Life can surprise you in ways you can't even imagine, taking you down paths you never thought you would take. Thank you, I feel I might just be alright.
There are countless people who began running after seeing Milind run, people who already used to run but went ahead with running barefoot seeing Milind. And there will be so many like me, who felt so happy buying Deivee products, just because it was Milind's brand. And then there is a hoard of people I am sure who takes the local train to Dadar to go to Shivaji Park, just to catch a glimpse of this 'bad guy' (to know why I said 'bad guy', read the book)
Loving the book. If you think you will finish the book and have this urge to run a full marathin next year, probably not. That you have to do on your own, no tips to make miracles happen here. But I lile the book for its simplicity, for its honesty, and for it is making me feel better about myself
Read
December 3, 2024It's the 90s. You turn on the TV to see a sorcerer's smoking cauldron with fleeting visuals of a tanned, well-built man. Snake charmers, a dancing sadhu, elephants and cheetahs appear on & off. Finally a box is carried in for a Princess or Queen, stamped 'Made in India'.
You know what happens next!
Decades later he's still admired across generations and genders. So when I came by 'Made in India: A Memoir' by Milind Soman, I thought it would be interesting to know the persona behind the famous face (and body).
This is a man who has had it rather easy in life. After one missed opportunity at national level as a swimmer in his teens, for the rest of his career - as a model, actor and beyond - opportunities have actively sought him out. He writes this in full awareness and without the slightest pretence of struggle. There's a hint of cockiness at times but easily forgiven for his honesty.
Aside from the fun 90s modeling world stories, it is his work with Pinkathon as a women's fitness activist, his passion for running, attaining the athletic world's Ironman and Ultraman titles in his 50s that are achievements which shine through. Of course, his personal life - posing nude in 90s India (including the backlash) - his initial low opinion of his stint in Alisha's 'Made in India' music video are also enjoyable parts of the book.
Born in the same year as the three famous Khans of Bollywood (which Milind jokes about as being a cosmic year of luck), it is refreshing to see this 57 year old embrace his grays and his age while making appearances in television shows & ad campaigns instead of trying to desperately hold on to his past youth like the aforementioned Khans. Admittedly though, the man does have great genes in comparison, so there's that!
I'll deem this book as a simple breezy read.
You know what happens next!
Decades later he's still admired across generations and genders. So when I came by 'Made in India: A Memoir' by Milind Soman, I thought it would be interesting to know the persona behind the famous face (and body).
This is a man who has had it rather easy in life. After one missed opportunity at national level as a swimmer in his teens, for the rest of his career - as a model, actor and beyond - opportunities have actively sought him out. He writes this in full awareness and without the slightest pretence of struggle. There's a hint of cockiness at times but easily forgiven for his honesty.
Aside from the fun 90s modeling world stories, it is his work with Pinkathon as a women's fitness activist, his passion for running, attaining the athletic world's Ironman and Ultraman titles in his 50s that are achievements which shine through. Of course, his personal life - posing nude in 90s India (including the backlash) - his initial low opinion of his stint in Alisha's 'Made in India' music video are also enjoyable parts of the book.
Born in the same year as the three famous Khans of Bollywood (which Milind jokes about as being a cosmic year of luck), it is refreshing to see this 57 year old embrace his grays and his age while making appearances in television shows & ad campaigns instead of trying to desperately hold on to his past youth like the aforementioned Khans. Admittedly though, the man does have great genes in comparison, so there's that!
I'll deem this book as a simple breezy read.
August 15, 2021
Made in India by Milind Soman.
I knew of Milind Soman as a model and part time actor. He had appeared in his flattering physique in the indie pop song, Made in India. What could I hope to read in his memoir?
I was pleasantly surprised to find it interesting and engaging from the very beginning. I am filed with new found admiration for the man who found mental strength via physical challenges. He is an inspiration and role model to young achievers.
Some of his life learnings are worth remembering.
Anger is basically the result of a low threshold of tolerance to situations where things do not go as one believes they should. That is a silly way to live—seriously, how much control does one really have over things outside of oneself? It was my responsibility as a thinking, intelligent adult to fashion my own response to such triggers.
I understood all this at an intellectual level, but it would be many years before I succeeded in putting any of it into practice. It was only when I went back to sport, long-distance running this time, that I was able to convert any mental and emotional stress that I had into physical stress and let it flow out in the most natural, least damaging way.
I knew of Milind Soman as a model and part time actor. He had appeared in his flattering physique in the indie pop song, Made in India. What could I hope to read in his memoir?
I was pleasantly surprised to find it interesting and engaging from the very beginning. I am filed with new found admiration for the man who found mental strength via physical challenges. He is an inspiration and role model to young achievers.
Some of his life learnings are worth remembering.
Anger is basically the result of a low threshold of tolerance to situations where things do not go as one believes they should. That is a silly way to live—seriously, how much control does one really have over things outside of oneself? It was my responsibility as a thinking, intelligent adult to fashion my own response to such triggers.
I understood all this at an intellectual level, but it would be many years before I succeeded in putting any of it into practice. It was only when I went back to sport, long-distance running this time, that I was able to convert any mental and emotional stress that I had into physical stress and let it flow out in the most natural, least damaging way.
August 6, 2025
2.5 stars
I was so excited to read this book, but loved first half of book then it got boring when he talks about his movies.
Milind soman was a professional level swimmer also represented India.
Milind started swimming at age 9 until 22 seeing no future in swimming then pivot his career and became model by luck. Since his friend cancelled his ad shoot and recommended him. He definitely has lived extraordinary life so many projects swimmer/ model/ Bollywood/ runner/entertainment company.
He’s an athlete who has always done extreme adventures like triathlon and also ran for weeks with breaks in Indian summers for pinkathon.
Learnings:
He didn’t have good relation with his dad.
He thanks his mother support for always been there, not making his life miserable or demean him and help him to come out of alcoholism.
Physical activity help take out inner stress due to work, relationships . Stress kills us from inside so running helped him manage anger.
He transformed himself every decade could be swimming, model, movies, business then completely pivot becoming runner. So keep grabbing new opportunities if something is not working anymore.
I was so excited to read this book, but loved first half of book then it got boring when he talks about his movies.
Milind soman was a professional level swimmer also represented India.
Milind started swimming at age 9 until 22 seeing no future in swimming then pivot his career and became model by luck. Since his friend cancelled his ad shoot and recommended him. He definitely has lived extraordinary life so many projects swimmer/ model/ Bollywood/ runner/entertainment company.
He’s an athlete who has always done extreme adventures like triathlon and also ran for weeks with breaks in Indian summers for pinkathon.
Learnings:
He didn’t have good relation with his dad.
He thanks his mother support for always been there, not making his life miserable or demean him and help him to come out of alcoholism.
Physical activity help take out inner stress due to work, relationships . Stress kills us from inside so running helped him manage anger.
He transformed himself every decade could be swimming, model, movies, business then completely pivot becoming runner. So keep grabbing new opportunities if something is not working anymore.
October 21, 2020
Finally after a long time I got an opportunity to read a book.
I preferred to know something about Made in India man Milind Soman.
Read the Book Made in India - Milind Soman by Roopa Pai.
I have always been in awe about Milind Soman. To be honest I was in cloud nine when I got the opportunity to meet him half a decade before.
This book delves inside some of the fascinating facts about him. During his early days when he was in 18, he was about to represent India in asian games in swimming. He was former national swimming champion. He was a chain smoker and he accomplished to quit smoking.
Running any distance looked like peanut for him.
Many more fascinating insights can be known by reading this memoir.
Few lines from the book.
Take joy in the pain, it won’t last much longer
Move every single day
The body can be made ready for any challenge with proper. regular conditioning- it is the mind that is the weak link. Once that is mastered, anything is possible.
I preferred to know something about Made in India man Milind Soman.
Read the Book Made in India - Milind Soman by Roopa Pai.
I have always been in awe about Milind Soman. To be honest I was in cloud nine when I got the opportunity to meet him half a decade before.
This book delves inside some of the fascinating facts about him. During his early days when he was in 18, he was about to represent India in asian games in swimming. He was former national swimming champion. He was a chain smoker and he accomplished to quit smoking.
Running any distance looked like peanut for him.
Many more fascinating insights can be known by reading this memoir.
Few lines from the book.
Take joy in the pain, it won’t last much longer
Move every single day
The body can be made ready for any challenge with proper. regular conditioning- it is the mind that is the weak link. Once that is mastered, anything is possible.
December 15, 2020
This book is solid gold!!
Being Milind Soman is not easy these days. Especially in a conservative society like that of ours!
Milind is an avid swimmer, runner, entrepreneur , actor and a man of multiple dimensions.In this candid account , he opens up on his convictions ,his unique perspectives on fitness/life and more importantly his views on navigating against dogmatic societal constructs.
Here is one interesting excerpt from the book where Milind tells us why he runs.
"Here’s something else I have discovered: When you create efficiency in one area of your life—say physical fitness—using a combination of discipline, doggedness and self-belief, you create efficiency in every other area of your life as well. Keep your body in top condition as a matter of course, and you free your mind up to go after what it really wants. Push your body a little further each day, and watch your self-belief grow stronger and stronger, until it becomes unshakeable. Those are the real reasons I run."
Being Milind Soman is not easy these days. Especially in a conservative society like that of ours!
Milind is an avid swimmer, runner, entrepreneur , actor and a man of multiple dimensions.In this candid account , he opens up on his convictions ,his unique perspectives on fitness/life and more importantly his views on navigating against dogmatic societal constructs.
Here is one interesting excerpt from the book where Milind tells us why he runs.
"Here’s something else I have discovered: When you create efficiency in one area of your life—say physical fitness—using a combination of discipline, doggedness and self-belief, you create efficiency in every other area of your life as well. Keep your body in top condition as a matter of course, and you free your mind up to go after what it really wants. Push your body a little further each day, and watch your self-belief grow stronger and stronger, until it becomes unshakeable. Those are the real reasons I run."
October 26, 2020
Is Milind Soman an actual Demi god?
This book certainly seems to make it feel so. Firstly the Greek god like looks, and then the obvious intellect in his writing and endeavours.
He is truly perfection.
This book was recommended by a friend and considering the way I feel about Milind Soman, I immediately picked it up. And yes, even though it wasn't an amazing book, it surely feels like an amazing life.
This book certainly seems to make it feel so. Firstly the Greek god like looks, and then the obvious intellect in his writing and endeavours.
He is truly perfection.
This book was recommended by a friend and considering the way I feel about Milind Soman, I immediately picked it up. And yes, even though it wasn't an amazing book, it surely feels like an amazing life.
April 25, 2021
The content was fresh - an enjoyable read. Not very professional writing but I liked it.
I, for one, like knowing how people think and usually have to read between the lines and hope my guesses are not intrusive. This book seemed honest enough to take at face value and that made reading peaceful enjoyable. Really likes the quotes in the book too - perhaps cause I was totally new to one of those writers.
I, for one, like knowing how people think and usually have to read between the lines and hope my guesses are not intrusive. This book seemed honest enough to take at face value and that made reading peaceful enjoyable. Really likes the quotes in the book too - perhaps cause I was totally new to one of those writers.
June 5, 2023
He's a man who wears multiple hats. From being a national level swimmer to model to actor to entrepreneur to an Ultraman athlete, he's done it all.
The best part for me is, he never really showcases any part of his life as a "struggle". As an eternal explorer, life just happened to him and he was there with arms wide open to embrace whatever came his way. Loved knowing a bit more about this epitome of fitness and healthy living.
The best part for me is, he never really showcases any part of his life as a "struggle". As an eternal explorer, life just happened to him and he was there with arms wide open to embrace whatever came his way. Loved knowing a bit more about this epitome of fitness and healthy living.
October 29, 2020
The first part is similar to Murakami's What I Talk About When I Talk About Running in many ways. The book is also a nice peek into Milind's mind and his attitude towards fitness and life in general. In addition to his many hats - model, actor, entrepreneur, and a fitness freak; he has also donned the author hat quite well!
October 16, 2021
Worth Reading and Re-Reading
It was worth looking into the mind of one of the strongest (both physically and mentally) around. Worth reading what drives this man to take up new challenges every day and how he is at peace with himself. I got to know much more than I expected from this book
It was worth looking into the mind of one of the strongest (both physically and mentally) around. Worth reading what drives this man to take up new challenges every day and how he is at peace with himself. I got to know much more than I expected from this book
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