Milind Soman made his Bollywood debut in 2000 with 'Tarkieb'. However, his debut was actually supposed to be 'Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar' - released in 1992!
As far as "Bollywood mania" is concerned, the 90s were undoubtedly the peak of it. That era saw the rise of several stars - Sunny Deol, Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Ajay Devgn among others - who were ruling the hearts of millions. They are still reigning supreme, and I love them all. However, anyone who grew up during the 90s would agree that none of them had the kind of craze among women that Milind Soman had back then.
Born on November 4, 1965, Milind Soman, primarily a supermodel, rose to fame in 1995 when he was featured in Alisha Chinai's music video, 'Made in India'. Thanks to his insane charisma, and not to mention his unparalleled intelligence, he soon emerged as the heartthrob of the nation, achieving an iconic status that set him apart. And while models in India usually have a short career, he continues to thrive today, even at the age of 59.
(Credit: milindrunning)
Besides being a supermodel, Soman also has had a successful Bollywood career. And that started back in 2000, when he played the role of Captain Ajit Verma in the crime drama, 'Tarkieb'. However, he was actually supposed to make his debut 8 years before, and that too with the iconic film 'Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar'. On the occasion of his 59th birthday today, let's learn about that in this article.
'Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar' - starring Aamir Khan, Ayesha Jhulka, and Deepak Tijori - is considered one of the most iconic Hindi films of all time. However, not many know that the antagonist's role, played by Deepak Tijori, was actually supposed to be essayed by Milind Soman.
Soman had bagged the part years before he became famous as a model. And after shooting for over 70% of the film, he quit it suddenly because he didn't get breakfast on time on the sets. As he later shared in an interview, "I threw my bicycle saying, 'Where's my breakfast?' They offered me nothing, I was not at home. I was at the mercy of the production for food."
The actor-model added that it was a part of the "baad mein khayenge" culture on the set. However, for him, being happy is more important than working in a film. In his words, "It was not important for me at that time. What was important for me was that I should be happy doing what I am doing, and if I am not, then it doesn't work."
Interestingly, Deepak Tijori had auditioned for the role, Shekhar Malhotra, during the same time as Soman. But he was rejected as the makers found Soman more fitting for the role. As the latter quit the project midway, he was called back to play the role. And well, as destiny had planned, the film turned out to be a turning point in his career.
As the actor later shared in an interview, "I had auditioned and I was rejected. Milind Soman was playing that role. But I don’t know the film was stalled for some time and almost stopped when I was called in."
(Credit: nfaiofficial)
Notably, speaking about his preparation for the part, he said, "I wasn’t into diet and stuff, but yes, I was made to cycle like a maniac. I remember the first day when Aamir and Mansoor Khan and all the national cyclists were shocked, as I was nothing close to being a sportsman who could ever be a cyclist."
(Credit: deepaktijoriteam)
Akshay Kumar, a newcomer in the industry back then, had also auditioned for the role but was rejected. He made his debut with the film 'Saugandh', which was released before 'Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar'.
Directed and co-written by Mansoor Khan, 'Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar' went on to be a massive critical and commercial success. It won two Filmfare Awards, including Best Film.
Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar released 28 years ago on 22 May 1992
— Film History Pics (@FilmHistoryPic) May 21, 2020
Aamir Khan, Aditya Lakhia, Deven Bhojani, Ayesha Jhulka pic.twitter.com/aZg2CtVRHk
(Credit: Film History Pics)
Some of Soman's notable Bollywood films are 'Pyar Ki Dhun', 'Bheja Fry', 'Satyameva Jeyathe', 'Do Paise Ki Dhoop, Chaar Aane Ki Baarish', 'Bajirao Mastani', and 'Emergency'.
Happy Birthday, Milind Soman. Best Wishes For All Your Upcoming Endeavors!
