Milind Soman opened up about his struggles with smoking and drinking during the India Today Health Wealth Summit held in Delhi on October 30. He detailed his journey of overcoming these addictions and how they contributed to his personal growth. Joined by his wife, Ankita Konwar, and mother, Usha Soman, he emphasised the importance of fitness and the discipline he cultivated as a competitive swimmer.

Fitness Philosophy and Daily Activity

During the summit, Milind highlighted that maintaining fitness does not necessarily require expensive gym memberships or supplements. He stressed that daily physical activity is more crucial than engaging in intense workout sessions. His family echoed this sentiment, reinforcing the idea that a simple, active lifestyle can lead to better health outcomes.

Reflecting on his formative years, Milind shared that swimming was the focal point of his life from the age of nine to 23. He stated, “My entire focus was on competitive swimming from the age of nine till the age of 23. I was swimming 65 km a week. I was the national champion in my event. I have represented India in swimming. That was everything to me.” This dedication to the sport laid the groundwork for his future endeavours.

Milind transitioned into modelling unexpectedly, revealing that he was unaware of modelling as a profession until he received an offer. He recounted, “I got an offer, it was a lot of money, and I said yes. But with that came that world, with everything in it, and I had to experience all of it.” The discipline he had developed through swimming played a pivotal role in helping him navigate the complexities of the modelling industry.

Experiences with Addiction and Lessons Learned

Milind candidly admitted to having been a heavy smoker before he quit 25 years ago. He remarked on the nature of addiction, saying, “You get addicted. I would have stopped immediately, but it was an addiction.” His journey to sobriety was not easy, as he also struggled with alcohol consumption. He noted, “I used to drink a lot. It is an addiction, but I was able to stop.”

He recounted moments from his past when he would return home intoxicated, and his mother would not permit him to enter the house. This experience, he reflected, was a significant part of his life. “For me, I needed to go through this experience. It was good, it taught me about myself, and it was important,” he stated, highlighting the role of personal challenges in shaping his character.

Milind’s session at the summit traced his evolution from a competitive swimmer to a successful model, while also addressing his battles with addiction. He underscored the belief that discipline and consistent daily activity are essential components of a healthy lifestyle. His journey serves as an inspiration to many, illustrating that overcoming personal struggles can lead to profound self-discovery and growth.

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