Milind Soman Hails 86-Year-Old Mother as the Real Fitness Superstar
At 60, Milind Soman continues to be celebrated as a symbol of timeless fitness, but the actor-model insists the true icon in his family is his 86-year-old mother, Usha Soman. In a candid discussion with IANS, Soman highlighted his mother's remarkable daily regimen, which includes skipping rope and walking up to 30 kilometers—achievements he believes should be viewed as "normal" rather than extraordinary.
Usha Soman's Daily Fitness Routine Defies Age Expectations
Milind Soman shared vivid details of his mother's active lifestyle, stating, "Look at my mother. She's 86. She still skips. She can skip with a skipping rope. She can hop. She's hiking. She can walk 20-30 kilometres very, very comfortably." While many express amazement at her energy levels, Soman argues that such fitness is attainable for seniors with the right habits. He emphasized, "People say that, 'Oh, your mother is so amazing.' I say, yes, but that is normal. Everybody at her age should be able to do this if they take care of themselves." This perspective underscores his belief in consistent self-care as a cornerstone of lifelong health.
Challenging Stereotypes: Milind Soman on Aging and Society's Perceptions
The actor also addressed common misconceptions about aging, noting that people are often surprised by his own appearance and fitness at 60. He observed that society has constructed rigid expectations for how individuals in their sixties should look and behave. "I think I look like a very normal 60-year-old. Probably it's just such a notion in everybody's head that 60 should look a certain way," he remarked. By sharing his and his mother's experiences, Soman aims to break down these age-related stereotypes and promote a more inclusive view of vitality across generations.
Embracing a Simple, Gym-Free Approach to Fitness
Milind Soman detailed his personal philosophy on health, which eschews traditional gym culture in favor of integrating physical activity into daily life. He explained, "I don't go to the gym. I don't have a trainer. I don't have a nutritionist or dietitian. I decide what I need to do and I incorporate that into my lifestyle." He advocates for reconnecting with innate abilities, criticizing how modern technology has led people to abandon natural movements. For instance, he chooses stairs over elevators whenever possible, viewing such choices as opportunities for exercise. "If there's a lift and stairs, I will take the stairs. Ninety-nine per cent of the time I'll climb the stairs, sometimes even three steps at a time. That's my opportunity to exercise," he added.
Family Fitness and Upcoming Projects
Earlier in 2025, Milind Soman shared a heartwarming video on social media featuring himself, his wife Ankita, and his mother Usha Soman skipping together. He captioned the post, "Family skipping time. Aai (Mother) is now 86, and skipping is something she does every day, apart from yoga and other movements. Long life, health and happiness to all." This display of intergenerational fitness highlights the family's commitment to an active lifestyle. On the professional front, Soman is preparing for his upcoming project 'Kaattaan,' which stars 'Jawan' actor Vijay Sethupathi in the lead role.
Milind Soman's insights challenge conventional views on aging and fitness, advocating for a holistic, lifestyle-based approach that prioritizes simplicity and consistency. By spotlighting his mother's achievements, he inspires others to rethink what is possible at any age.
