‘ South industry operations feel incredibly comfortable and efficient,’ Soman told IANS. He pointed out how minimal negotiations or repeated fixes are needed, creating a hassle-free environment. Observing colleagues, he sensed this inherent smoothness.

Diving deeper into Tamil projects, Soman highlighted exceptional teamwork. ‘Sets buzz with rapid, skilled execution,’ he explained. Tasks finish on time, obstacles are tackled promptly, and the crew operates like a well-oiled machine. Though shoots demand grit universally, South processes stand out for their fluidity and coordination.

Balancing his views, Soman noted that outdoor filming woes—be it monsoons or shifting climates—affect all regions equally. ‘No unit has it easy during such disruptions,’ he reflected. ‘Hindi productions differ per team, heavily influenced by the producer’s vision and management style.’

Excitement mounts for ‘Kaatan’, releasing March 27 on JioHotstar. Dubbed in multiple languages including English, Hindi, and Marathi, the series promises Soman in a riveting, shadowy character, underscoring his versatility across industries.

The Pinkathon pulsed with energy as women runners championed fitness and awareness. Milind Soman, the fitness icon, reinforced the message: ‘Women dedicate everything to others; it’s time they invested in their own health daily.’ This resonated deeply, spotlighting how self-neglect often overshadows women’s well-being.

Nationwide fervor marked the occasion. In a standout moment, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya cycled through the Fit India Pink Cyclothon, praising the activity as supreme for health and eco-friendliness. ‘Women on bikes today proved health consciousness fuels national growth,’ he said, inspiring crowds.

Artist Manas Kumar Sahu’s intricate sand animation, completed in 10 minutes, vividly portrayed women’s empowerment and triumphs, advocating equality and peace. With India’s celebrations blending sports, art, and advocacy, International Women’s Day reaffirms women’s strides across spheres. Looking ahead, the 2026 theme ‘Give to Gain’ stresses that empowering women through support and opportunities benefits all—a timeless call to collective progress.

Kicking off right after the 64th Fit India Sundays on Cycle at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, the carnival emphasizes women in fitness. Expect a powerhouse lineup of female athletes, influencers, and champions driving the narrative.

The grand opening will see MoS Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Sports Secretary Hari Ranjan Rao, and special guests cutting the ribbon. Kicking things off on day one are fitness icons Milind Soman, Ragini Dwivedi, Aishwarya Raj, and Tarun Khanna from ‘Devon Ke Dev Mahadev’, plus Dr. Riri Trivedi and various experts in fitness and mental health.

Inspirational figures like Asian Games medalist Nandini Agasra (heptathlon), Garima Chaudhary (judo), Tania Sachdev (chess Grandmaster and Fit India star), para-athlete Simran, and fencer Taniksha Khatri will engage audiences with their success stories, sparking interest in sports among the younger generation.

Accessibility is key this year, ensuring seniors and persons with disabilities can fully participate. The program includes cultural shows, flash mobs, panel discussions on wellness topics, and interactive zones with games, fitness challenges, and stalls tailored for every age group to make workouts enjoyable.

From schoolgirls to corporate women, athletes to families, everyone is invited, complete with dedicated kids’ areas and daily live band performances. Rooted in the 2019-launched Fit India Movement, the event pushes for behavioral change, urging at least half an hour of daily exercise to build fitter communities and a stronger India.

In an exclusive insight, Hussain expressed his passion: ‘Watching the original was eye-opening. Amidst Bollywood’s formulaic trends, this stands out for its bold stance on animal rights, reminiscent of era-defining films like ‘Haathi Mere Saathi.’ I couldn’t resist being part of this message-driven franchise.’

Production milestones highlight ambition. Filming concluded in June 2025, with amplified action choreography, martial arts rigor, and visual spectacle surpassing the predecessor. Lead actor-director Anshuman Jha returns as Arjun Bakshi, the reluctant warrior for voiceless creatures.

Hussain lauded the set dynamics: ‘Anshuman’s guidance turned demanding fight scenes into rewarding experiences. Our previous collaborations made the process seamless and fun.’ This synergy underscores the film’s authentic edge.

Modern viewers crave films with societal impact alongside entertainment. ‘Lakadbaggha 2: The Monkey Business’ delivers exactly that within the ‘Animal Lover Vigilante Universe.’ As shooting wraps, anticipation builds for a cinematic punch that entertains, educates, and advocates, potentially setting new benchmarks for conscious blockbusters.

Posting triumphant photos on Instagram, Soman hailed the event as ‘the one fixed special date of the year.’ Joining him was wife Ankita Konwar, who guided a novice friend to a 4:40 finish in their debut full marathon. Their synergy highlighted the power of support in endurance sports.

Gratitude flowed from Soman as he thanked event masterminds Anil and Vivek, emphasizing, ‘Consistency is the key.’ He reflected on his origins: ‘This is where my running journey began, and I return annually to give back.’

Soman’s regimen defies convention. Rain-soaked rooftop workouts, mountain treks, forest sprints—he thrives outdoors. His recent 15km Goan sea swim set a personal record, while barefoot 80km bike rides showcase his versatility. ‘Running is my meditation,’ he often says, inspiring a fitness revolution.

In an era of fleeting gym trends, Soman’s longevity proves that steady habits outperform fads. The Mumbai Marathon, now a cornerstone of India’s running culture, benefits immensely from his enduring presence, motivating runners from all walks to lace up and persist.

The open-water marathon unfolded in Mumbai’s turbulent seas, a playground for seasoned swimmers but a nightmare for the untrained. Soman powered through waves and fatigue, finishing strong with a time that shaved precious minutes off his prior attempt.

Post-victory, all eyes were on Soman’s heartfelt tribute to his wife, Ankita Konwar. ‘She’s the reason I keep raising the bar,’ he shared in an emotional interview. ‘Ankita’s journey—balancing career, family, and fitness—mirrors mine. Her achievements make me proud, and I want to make her equally proud.’

This personal revelation adds depth to Soman’s public persona. Married to the much younger Ankita since 2018, the couple has become synonymous with fitness goals, often training together and promoting wellness across platforms.

Soman’s swimming prowess is no fluke. A veteran of over 30 marathons, Ironman triathlons, and high-altitude treks, he trains like a machine. This swim, part of his ongoing ocean series, highlights his evolution from model to extreme athlete.

Coastal authorities and swim federations praised the event’s safety measures, including escort boats and medical teams. Soman emphasized ocean conservation too: ‘These waters are our lifeline—let’s protect them.’

Fans flooded social media with congratulations, trending #MilindSomanRecord. For Ankita, it’s personal validation. As Soman put it, ‘Her belief in me breaks records before I even dive in.’

Looking ahead, Soman eyes international ultra-swim events. His story reminds us: true strength blooms from love, grit, and endless ocean miles.

Soman, renowned for his timeless physique and active lifestyle, shared that his curiosity prompted him to try intermittent fasting in November 2024. The experience left him feeling ‘fantastic,’ reporting increased energy levels and a sharper mind. While he believed he was already at his ideal weight, the unintended consequence was shedding approximately 6-7 kilograms, a fact that amused him as others also considered him to be in perfect shape.

Despite adhering to a restricted eating window, Soman reported feeling stronger and healthier, never experiencing fatigue or weakness. He paused the fasting regimen only because his rigorous training for a half Ironman, and now a full Ironman, demanded constant fueling. This experience underscores that achieving fitness goals doesn’t always necessitate complex strategies or advanced equipment. For Milind, a straightforward dietary adjustment yielded remarkable benefits, emphasizing the power of simple, consistent habits.

Interestingly, Soman noted that this practice isn’t entirely new to him. As a competitive swimmer in his youth, he naturally followed a similar pattern, waking early after an early bedtime, leading to prolonged periods without eating. Combined with a balanced home-cooked diet, this routine was an unconscious part of his lifestyle long before intermittent fasting gained widespread popularity. His journey proves that accessible, effective wellness strategies can be integrated seamlessly into daily life.

Kareena Kapoor Khan, a dedicated fitness enthusiast, frequently shares her yoga journey, advocating for its lifelong benefits and overall well-being. Malaika Arora consistently demonstrates her passion for yoga, showcasing her fitness routines on social media to encourage her followers to embrace the practice. Milind Soman, a fitness icon, promotes yoga for achieving physical and mental balance, often posting videos and photos of his yoga practice. Shilpa Shetty, known for her ageless beauty, emphasizes yoga’s role in maintaining a fit body and shares her detailed yoga regime on Instagram. Karan Singh Grover emphasizes that fitness encompasses mental well-being, incorporating yoga into his workouts and sharing the benefits he experiences.

Yoga, now a global health tool, transcends cultural boundaries, contributing to enhanced physical strength, emotional stability, and mental clarity.