Donatella Milani she said to herself without hesitation The Good Timestarting from the truth he started, side by side with Pupo. A collaboration that led to something else, even if, she admits, it was the singer who really fell in love, much more than her.
How Su su noi was born
It cannot be denied how About us she is one of the most famous songs in the Pupo discourse. At the same time he is one of the most admired people of Italian pop music. However, there is little to remember that the song the inventive result of Donatella Milani.
As a very young girl, still a minor, she was busy because Pupo backing musician and, during long business trips, he tormented him with his compositions. It was still very rough but he wanted to get your opinion. He put a radio in his ear so he could listen to the recordings.
He told Caterina Balivo the incident that changed everything: “One day he stopped on the motorway, sat himself on the side and said to me ‘this is a strong piece“.
The love story with Pupo
About us However, it only shows part of this story. The other side of the coin is illustrated by the love story of the two. Donatella Milani is keen to point out that Enzo Ghinazzi was much more than a pushover. He fell in love and was ready to change his life for her.
In fact, at the time he was already married and he asked for a divorce so he could be with her. He also introduced himself to his parents, showing them the documents for separation from his wife. A story that certainly raises eyebrows today, much more than it did then, considering how Milani was 16-17 years old at the time.
The absence of a father
There’s a reason why Donatella Milani felt so drawn to the figure of Pupo. Success is not important in this story. He saw a father figure in him. He explained how all his stories related to this aspect.
Yes indeed grew up without her biological parent and after that his mother found another great love. this stepfather loved her as if she were his ownbut it is unfortunately died in a road accident when she was only 9 years old.
Pupo himself, however, was fundamental in the private discovery of Donatella Milani, which caused her great suffering. Visiting his father’s grave, the singer showed how last name was different. He said Casini and not Milani.
Her mother told her that he died before she could give her his last name, but the reality was different. In the end he had to admit it: “My father was a man who left her when he found out she was pregnant. To this day I don’t know who he is.”
It is a suffering that returns from time to time and feels its weight. At certain moments, when he would like to search for that name, he asks himself: “Why go and say goodbye again? Or maybe another rejection. Other times I want to see him to see if I’m like him and if I have something on him.”
The relationship with his mother
A very complicated private life, that of Donatella Milani. Remembering his mother Linawho is now deceased, she cannot hold back her tears. The voice is broken and explains how she tried to do everything, to transform herself into a mother, father, sister and friend.
“Don’t be friends with your daughters. She was competing with me. After doing Sanremo, he was happy to see it as a personal revenge. In those days, a single mother was not looked upon favorably. He told me that I was what he wanted, to show others.”
The pain of depression
A The Good Time he found the courage to tell the story experienced depression. A drama that put her in bed, locked in the house. That nightmare is not yet completely over and, in fact, some of that darkness remains inside, even when a new balance is found.
“Now that I’m coming out of it, I can say yes major depression. In my life I had another such period, but then there was a reason. I had an important project but in one evening I lost my voice. I stopped for three years. This time there was a combination of reasons and when you grow up it becomes even stronger.”
Also in this case he wanted to send a message, starting from his own personal experience. She found herself a slave to her own mind. He wanted nothing more than to get out of this situation. This thought became an obsession: “Whoever finds himself in this situation, do nothing. It’s when you really want to give up and you’re there fighting, that you get even worse.”
Today he misses a great love. Now he wants it again”stop in a story“. Music was his life companion. It was always more important than a love relationship and this made her forget the love she had, and then disappeared: “I regret this, that I could not really stay inside my stories. I didn’t understand anything about it. Every time it seems to be the story of my life, it passes me by.”
Interview: An Insight into the Soul of Donatella Milani and Her Journey with Pupo
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Donatella! It’s a real pleasure to have you here. Your journey alongside Pupo has fascinated so many. Can we start by discussing how this incredible collaboration began?
Donatella Milani: Thank you for having me! It all began when I was just a teenager. I became Pupo’s backing musician and spent countless hours on the road with him. During our trips, I couldn’t help but share my compositions with him, even though they were quite rough at the time. One day, he stopped on the motorway, listened, and said, “This is a strong piece.” That moment ignited so much for me.
Editor: That’s a pivotal moment in your career! “About Us” became one of Pupo’s most iconic songs. What was it like to see a piece you created resonate with so many people?
Milani: It was surreal! “About Us” wasn’t just a song; it represented my voice and dreams. I didn’t realize the impact it would have at that time. Seeing people’s emotional connections to the song deepened my love for music and writing.
Editor: Now, the love story between you and Pupo adds a rich layer to your narrative. You mentioned that he was willing to change his life for you. That must have been a complex experience, especially given your ages at the time.
Milani: It definitely was complex. Pupo, or Enzo Ghinazzi, was not just a collaborator but someone who played an important role in my life. He was a father figure for me, especially as I grew up without my biological father. He even took steps to get a divorce to be with me. Looking back, it’s hard to believe how intense everything was.
Editor: Your relationship with Pupo indeed has deeper roots. How did your personal history and family dynamics influence this connection?
Milani: I grew up without my biological father and lost my stepfather at a young age. This absence created a void in my life. When I met Pupo, I saw qualities in him that resembled a father figure, which drew me to him even more. This dynamic became central to our bond, and I believe it shaped our artistic collaboration.
Editor: That’s quite moving. You also experienced a lot of personal strife with your mother. Can you tell us about that relationship?
Milani: Remembering my mother, Lina, often brings tears to my eyes. She struggled to be everything for me—a mother, a guardian, and a friend. However, her own life battles sometimes felt like competition. In her eyes, my success in Sanremo was a personal victory for her, rather than a shared celebration. It was a complicated relationship, especially during those times when single mothers faced harsh judgment.
Editor: It seems that much of your journey was marked by challenges, but you transformed these experiences into art. Do you think the complexity of your life has enriched your songwriting?
Milani: Absolutely. Every hardship has shaped my music and lyrics. The struggles, the love, the loss—all of it pours into my work. Art is a reflection of our experiences, and mine has been colorful, to say the least.
Editor: As you look back at your life, what feelings come to the surface when you think about your time with Pupo and the music you created?
Milani: It’s a mixture of nostalgia and gratitude. While I carry the pain of loss and the absence of a father, I also embrace the love and creativity that emerged from my experiences. Pupo and I shared something beautiful, and that will always be a part of me.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your story, Donatella. Your journey is a testament to perseverance and the power of love and creativity. We look forward to hearing more from you as you continue your artistic path!
Milani: Thank you! I’m excited for what the future holds and to keep sharing my music with the world.
