Whether he’s inspiring city marathons or pushing unconventional approaches to health and skincare, Milind’s Soman’s philosophy is refreshingly simple and effective. As India’s original silver fox laces up for the upcoming JBG Kolkata World 10k run, we catch up with the man for a quick rapid-fire on personal fitness and health, his recent memoir, and his easy-riding approach to fashion and life alike. Excerpts:

If you could only do one exercise for the rest of your life, what would it be and why? 

In my opinion, the Surya namaskar is the best exercise for basic overall health and fitness. 

What's the weirdest thing you’ve eaten in the name of health? 

Medicine. 

Your skincare routine is famously unconventional—no soap, no sunscreen. How did you arrive at this approach? 

Simple has always worked best for me. I am not fond of most artificial fragrances. 

What's your guilty pleasure fashion item—something totally uncool but you love it? 

I don’t follow fashion. I prefer my own style, comfortable and convenient with good quality. 

You’re set to hit the road in Kolkata soon. What’s your favourite part of participating in city marathons? 

Running in the JBG World 10k means running with thousands of excited, enthusiastic and positive, happy people who truly care about the good things in life. 

Any advice for first-timers looking to train for a marathon? 

Start now. Take it slow, regular and easy. You will enjoy it. 

Who do you think would best play you in a biopic? 

Me. 

Have you ever tried any fitness trend that you instantly regretted? 

No. I think they are all fun. You have to choose what’s good for you, body and mind. 

If you had to choose a new hairstyle right now, what would it be? 

A Mohawk. 

If you could bring back one fashion trend from the ’90s, what would it be? Be honest. 

I think the 90's were more stylish than fashionable. 

How do you feel your personal style has evolved across your career across the last 30 odd years? 

It’s still exactly the same. I have 20-year-old shirts, jeans and jackets. I wear them all the time. 

What’s a movie that’s so bad, it’s actually good? 

Most of Bollywood. 

What’s the one food you absolutely *refuse* to give up, no matter how unhealthy people say it is? 

Nothing really. I eat whatever I feel like, whenever I feel like it. 

What do you miss the most from your supermodel days in the 90s? 

I don’t remember those days even though they were amazing. These days are even better. 

A menswear trend from the 2020s that you haven’t tried, but are curious about? 

I try everything at least once, unless I think it might be painful. 

You co-authored the book Keep Moving this year with your mother and wife. What’s been your favourite part of that journey?  

My favourite part was getting to know things about my mother and Ankita that I did not know and also, the way people respond and the conversations I have around the book.