R. Madhavan
R. Madhavan (born Madhavan Ranganathan on 1 June 1970), popularly known as Maddy, is an Indian actor, director and producer known for his work in Tamil and Hindi cinema. A Filmfare Award winner, he gained prominence with Alaipayuthey (2000) and later appeared in successful films such as Kannathil Muthamittal, Rang De Basanti, 3 Idiots, Tanu Weds Manu, Vikram Vedha and Rocketry: The Nambi Effect.
| R. Madhavan | |
|---|---|
| |
| Born | 1 June 1970 Jamshedpur, Bihar (now Jharkhand), India |
| Birth name | Madhavan Ranganathan |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Actor, Director, Producer, Writer |
| Years active | 1996–present |
| Spouse | Sarita Birje (m. 1999) |
| Children | 1 (Vedant Madhavan) |
| Parents | Ranganathan (father) Saroja (mother) |
Early Life and Education
Madhavan was born in Jamshedpur to Ranganathan, a senior management executive at Tata Steel, and Saroja, a manager at the Bank of India. He belongs to a Tamil Brahmin family. His sister, Devika Ranganathan, is a software engineer based in the United Kingdom.[1]
He completed his degree in electronics engineering and was actively involved in the National Cadet Corps (NCC). In 1988, he represented India as a cultural ambassador in Canada. He aspired to join the Indian Army and trained with the Royal Army, Navy and Air Force in England, but missed the age cut-off requirement. He later pursued public speaking and communication training, winning the Indian Championship for Public Speaking and representing India at the Young Businessmen Conference in Tokyo in 1992.[2]
Early Career
Before entering films, Madhavan appeared in several Hindi television serials including Banegi Apni Baat, Sea Hawks, Ghar Jamai, and Saaya. In 1998, he played a small role in the English film Inferno. His first significant break in Indian cinema came with a supporting role in the Kannada film Shanti Shanti Shanti.[3]
Film Career
Breakthrough and Rise
Madhavan’s breakthrough came with Mani Ratnam’s Tamil romantic drama Alaipayuthey (2000), where his portrayal of a young husband earned critical acclaim. He followed this with Minnale (2001) and the National Award-winning film Kannathil Muthamittal (2002).
In 2003, he starred alongside Kamal Haasan in Anbe Sivam, which later achieved cult status. Films such as Run, Aaytha Ezhuthu, and Rang De Basanti further strengthened his position in Indian cinema.[4]
In Hindi cinema, he gained widespread popularity with Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein (2001), which later became a cult favorite, and the blockbuster 3 Idiots (2009).
Hiatus and Comeback
After a brief career slowdown, Madhavan made a strong comeback with Tanu Weds Manu Returns (2015). In 2016, he starred in the bilingual sports drama Irudhi Suttru / Saala Khadoos, portraying a boxing coach. His performance received critical acclaim and multiple awards.
In Vikram Vedha (2017), he played a morally conflicted police officer opposite Vijay Sethupathi, earning praise for his intense performance.
Directorial Debut
Madhavan directed, produced and starred in Rocketry: The Nambi Effect (2022), based on the life of aerospace scientist Nambi Narayanan. The film received critical acclaim and won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film.
He continued to appear in films such as Maara, Dhokha: Round D Corner, and Shaitaan (2024).
Personal Life
Madhavan married Sarita Birje, a former air hostess, in 1999. The couple has a son, Vedant, born in 2005. He currently resides in Chennai with his family, including his parents.
He is a vegetarian and has supported animal rights campaigns, including initiatives by PETA. Madhavan is also involved in charitable activities related to education and social welfare.
Other Endeavors
In addition to acting, Madhavan has worked as a producer and writer. He founded the production company Leukos Films and co-produced films such as Saala Khadoos. He has also served as a brand ambassador and hosted television programs.
In 2023, he was appointed President of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII).
Legacy
R. Madhavan is regarded as one of the most versatile actors in Indian cinema. Known for balancing commercial entertainers and content-driven films, he has built a career marked by diverse roles and critical acclaim across multiple languages.
References
- ↑ https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/r-madhavan-thanks-kesari-2-director-karan-tyagi-for-inspiring-him-to-deliver-his-best-performance/articleshow/120476821.cms
- ↑ https://www.filmibeat.com/celebs/madhavan.html
- ↑ https://www.bollywoodshaadis.com/articles/r-madhavan-and-sarita-birjes-love-story-how-they-transpired-from-a-student-teacher-to-soulmates-40085
- ↑ https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/madhavan-to-play-lead-role-in-miracle-man-gd-naidus-biopic/article66707848.ece