Milind Soman talks fondly about Madhu Sapre

Age seems to have done very little to water down that irresistible charm that has become so characteristic of Milind Soman over the 18 years that he has been in the public eye. His long hair and beard may be peppered with the errant grey strand, but you will surely find it hard to believe that the supermodel-turnedactor-turned-producer will be turning 42, come November.

“And guess how I plan to celebrate it?” asks Milind. “On the fifth of November, a day after my birthday, I will be participating in one of the world’s most popular sporting events - the New York City (NYC) Marathon. Having been a regular participant in the past few marathons in Mumbai, I am so kicked about the NYC Marathon which is also the world’s largest marathon covering all of the city’s five boroughs.”

As far as his love life is concerned, Milind says that his current relationship with the half-French, half-Chinese actress Mylene Jampanoi, has reached that point where the possibility of marriage is something he would like to see charting its own course. “I love to be surprised and have never and will never plan anything in my life. I could be married tomorrow or even next year. But having said this, with all my past relationships, marriage has always been the ultimate goal,” says Milind.

Talking of past relationships, the mere mention of Madhu Sapre brings about a palpable sense of fondness and nostalgia to his chilled-out demeanour. “Madhu and I love each other deeply… we always have. I suppose our relationship just wasn’t meant to be,” admits Milind as he slips into a reflective mood. “But we are still together… though we may not be married. We speak to each other all the time and whenever she’s in town we get together and do some serious catching up on old times. We have been through so much together. I guess, I will always love her…”