In a world full of crisply ironed formal linen shirts, R Madhavan is like a cool polo t-shirt. He's unlike anything around and yet, his casual persona is not just his USP, but the sole reason of his existence. There are actors, there are stars and then there's Madhavan. Impervious to the world of glamour and power, he's content with building on his casualness. He doesn't compete, he doesn't cater to the whims of popularity, he is content being the loveable and very real man. In a candid chat he makes critical assessments of himself, he expresses gratitude towards those who've continued to give him chances. And he reveals his success has got nothing to do with stardom or glamour. Content doing a few meaningful films and delighted to win a constant strain of female attention, here's one actor who's not pretending... who's just happy being himself.
What makes Kangana Ranaut a different co-star from her contemporaries?
She has retained her small town soul. She hasn't succumbed to her stardom. She has an ability to deliver dialogue in Hindi, her mother tongue, with ease. Few actresses can. Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan or Amitabh Bachchan represent the common man. That's a great way to connect with the audience. Kangana also has that ability.
A special memory from the set of Tanu Weds Manu Returns (TWMR)?
When Aanand L Rai (director) started narrating the story, I realised it was amazing. I told him that I didn't want to listen to the entire screenplay. I wanted to evolve as a character each day as he was going to shoot the film in a linear manner. Before every shot, I'd go into my vanity van, compose myself and try to figure out where I last left Manu. I'd take Manu's graph forward from there. Even the film's climax was shot on the last day of shoot. It was a new way of acting.
What's special about Aanand L Rai? Were you envious when he casted Dhanush in Raanjhanaa?
No. Aanand never brings friendship in casting. Ditto Rajkumar Hirani and Mani Ratnam. I couldn't have played the role in Raanjhanaa the way Dhanush did. Aanand has a heart of gold. He is one of those guys who's incapable of hurting anyone. He's capable of being angry but he doesn't possess the ability to hurt you. Secondly, he's awesome with actors. He gave me scene by scene saying, "I want to see it in your eyes. I want your expressions to justify why Manu took such a decision. If you're not able to do it, then it will seem like a bad screenplay. If you're able to do it, then I'll come across as a great director. In both cases the blame will not be on you." Also, Tanu tells Manu in the film, "Tum adrak ki tarah kahin se bhi phail rahe ho." Any other actor would have felt offended. But I didn't mind. In fact, I asked them to have more jokes on me. That made it all seem real.
Why are you so choosy about doing Hindi films? You did only Jodi Breakers after Tanu Weds Manu.
I have limited capabilities as an actor. As a star I'm limited too. I don't possess the ability to be a fashion icon or to have six-packs and entertain people with my dance. That's not my strength. My ability to chose unique scripts - like TWM, 3 Idiots or Rang De Basanti - has helped me. If it's mandatory for any actor to do two-three films in a year with a happening directors then I'm a failed actor. But it's been 15 years and I'm still doing solo hero films where I'm playing the romantic lead - even that of a 45-year-old with grey hair! It says something about how the public perceives me.
Age is no barrier for you then?
No. The acceptance that I am 45 is my biggest strength. Also, the intelligence of the audience has to be respected. It's a smart phone generation.
Do you sense competition from other actors?
Is there anybody else in my bracket? Seriously, I don't think anyone has ability to play Manu in TWM or Farhan Qureshi in 3 Idiots. I have carved a niche for myself. When Saala Khadoos (produced by Try Color Films, Madhavan's production house) releases, you'll understand what I mean. I was 30 when I played the lead in Mani Ratnam's Kannathil Muthamittal. My endeavour has been to stay ahead of the game in terms of the roles I play. I know my weaknesses, I know my strengths and do movies according to that.
Don't you feel afraid of doing Rang De Basanti or 3 Idiots where your co-stars have bigger roles?
Well, after doing Rang De Basanti and 3 Idiots, I'm being interviewed for a romantic film. I'm an intelligent actor. I'm also selfless. I believe it's far more important for the film to work. This I learned from Aamir Khan and Kamal Haasan. If Aamir Khan let Siddharth walk away with the climax of Rang De Basanti, if in 3 Idiots if he could live with us in a hostel, have the same meals and use the same loo... then there's much to learn. It may seem that I am clapping from the sidelines but if the ball comes in my court, I make sure to hit a six! I'm sensible, selfless and what you say in Hindi... a haraami' actor! That's Aanand L Rai's word.
You've worked with Mani Ratnam in many films. You seem to be his favourite...
I don't think I'm Mani Ratnam's favourite. Abhishek Bachchan is his favourite. They have a great relationship. I've the ability to disassociate myself when I'm not required. I give people the space they require and not latch on to them. Nor do I have the ability to suck up to someone. And under those circumstances, I hold respect and gratitude for Mani Ratnam for having launched me and for the five films (including Alai Paayuthe, Aayutha Ezhuthuand Guru) that I've done with him. He's such a professional, he wouldn't have cast me if I didn't fit those roles.
What's the difference between Mani Ratnam, Raju Hirani and Aanand L Rai?
All three are reclusive. You don't see them attending parties, making bombastic statements, giving interviews too often... They are humble, real and educated. They're not affected by their star status as directors and they take their stardom with a certain embarrassment. They're also soaked in middle-class values. It doesn't matter how big a collection Raju Hirani's films garner at the box office. The same applies to Aanand Rai. They continue to travel in their small cars. They don't live in mahals. These guys are not affected by their success. I'm learning from these gentlemen.
You've enjoyed a stable married life. What's the mantra?
I'm too simple and too common a man to give a mantra on marriage. Every couple faces different challenges.There are times when my wife Sarita says you're a nerd; I don't want to live with you anymore'. (Laughs) I have been an idiot at times. Being part of showbiz aap hamesha ladkiyon ke sath hote hain. When I put myself in my wife's shoes, I understand the insecurities. (Laughs) Anyway, I don't possess the guts to have affairs outside marriage.
How do you deal with female attention?
It's awesome man! The day we visited Kangana Ranaut's school during TWMR promotions, a 14-year-old girl began filming videos and said, You are so hot Maddy!" It was weird. Calling a 45- year-old man hot! But it's a huge compliment. My wife was amused. I haven't done many romantic films. Tanu Weds Manu was not a romantic film. It's relationship film. Thank God for the female attention though!
A crazy fan experience...
The husband of a friend of mine said, "Please take a picture with her like you're her husband. It will make her life." He had come with a jaimala and a mangalsutra. (Laughs) I was like dude are you really that selfless?
What kind of father you are?
I attempt to be a father like the one I had. We had a normal life; my mother was there to take care of regular things. But when things went out of hand, then dad would enter. I can't be with my son Vedant and Sarita on a day to day basis, something I feel guilty about. Vedant is nine. I sit and talk about drugs and other things with him. I'd be disappointed if he behaves like a typical star son and does not understand how a common man lives. He knows he will incur my wrath if he doesn't say Hello bhaiya' to the watchman, if he doesn't say Namstey' to the driver, if he doesn't open a door for a lady... That's when Maddy becomes the baddy.
How does he take to your popularity?
He's amused when he hears young girls in the lift or elsewhere telling me, "Uncle, I love you!"
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Ye Hai Mohabbatein
Writers Corner: Books, Stories & Poems
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