"Mylene is an amazing girl. We met on the sets of 'Valley of Flowers' in Ladakh. It is the most unforgettable period of my life," Milind Soman told in an interview.
"My wife...knows that I love her very much. I am emotionally committed to her," he added.
Despite a not-so-successful career so far, Milind is gung-ho about the achievements of actors who hopped onto the Bollywood bandwagon from the ramp.
"People should stop saying that model turned actors are not very successful. What would you say about John Abraham, Dino Moria, Bipasha Basu, Jackie Shroff, Zeenat Aman, Kabir Bedi?"
Excerpts from the interview:
Q. You have been reportedly involved with celebrities like Madhu Sapre, Tabu and Gul Panag. And then you suddenly got married to French actor Mylene.
A. We have been seeing each other for the last two years. And I felt that it is difficult to sustain a relationship. But I always had an expectation that one day I will have a long-term one. Mylene is an amazing girl. We met on the sets of "Valley of Flowers" in Ladakh.
It is the most unforgettable period of my life. We used to meet and spend time together. After the shooting was over, I took Mylene to meet my mother in Goa. At the airport, I proposed her and we decided to get married in Goa itself.
Q. You had a very simple marriage ceremony away from the media glare.
A. I wanted a quiet ceremony - a simple one only with our families and close friends.
Q. What is so special about Mylene?
A. You cannot actually say what is special about the person you love.
Q. You have been a woman's man. How does your wife react to it?
A. She is well aware of the fact that I've an attractive personality and is comfortable with it. My wife trusts me and she knows that I love her very much. I am emotionally committed to her.
Q. Has marriage changed your life?
A. Nothing has changed as of now but my life may see some changes in the future. (Laughs) We will have kids.
Q. What about honeymoon?
A. We had a plan to go to Jaisalmer. But both of us are busy with work, so we have postponed it till the next year.
Q. What is your role in "Katputhli"?
A. In "Kathputli", I am playing the role of a doctor who runs a very big hospital. In the beginning of the film my wife goes missing. The film is full of suspense from the very beginning. The film is shot very elegantly and these kind films are rarely found in India.
Q. How is the music of the film?
A. The music of the film is commercial, mainstream and popular. It's soft and romantic. I believe people will like it. There are few dance tracks as well.
Q. Tell us about your experience about "Valley of Flowers"?
A. "Valley of Flowers" is a European film - a mix of French, German and Indian. The production team has made good utilisation of the resources. No one was assigned multiple tasks. I had a fantastic time while shooting in Ladhakh. It's a great place.
The cast of the film is great and I gained the experience to work with great people. "Valley of Flowers" is an interesting film - there are a lot of questions unanswered. Not everyone can understand the philosophy but movie is certainly adventurous.
Q. It is said that "Valley of Flowers" is a confused cocktail. What do you have to say about it?
A. I have nothing to say.
Q. There have been many models who disappeared after one film. Can model turned actors actually make it big?
A. People should stop saying that model turned actors are not very successful. In that case what would you say about John Abraham, Dino Mourya, Bipasha Basu, Jacky Shroff, Zeenat Aman, Kabir Bedi?
Millions of people come to Mumbai with the aspiration of becoming an actor. How many of them actually make it? But 50 percent of the models make it to the silver screen.
Q. You have not been seen much on the screen of late.
A. I don't do much of mainstream films. I like to do films that I find are unusual. If I find that the character offered to me is a copy from another film or the storyline is a reproduction of a Hollywood film, I don't sign it. Moreover, I am interested in working with new people as they are full of energy and they have the spirit to do something different.
Q. What's in the pipeline?
A. A Tamil film which is a very interesting project. I cannot tell you about the rest.
Q. You have already ventured into the field of film production. What about direction?
A. I am interested more in production. I'm also looking forward to international production projects. Direction is a difficult and complex job.
Q. What are your plans for future?
A. I will work like I do.