Putting direction on backburner for a while to focus on acting: R Madhavan

The 'Hisaab Barabar' actor expresses concern over the rise of financial scams across the world

- ANINDITA ACHARYA

He melted hearts with his chocolate-boy charm and killer smile in his 2001 Bollywood debut 'Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein' and Mani Ratnam's 2000 romantic musical 'Alai Payuthey'. He could have built his career solely on his good looks, but R Madhavan carved a path that is pan-Indian and enviable. Whether it was his powerhouse performance in 'Kannathil Muthamittall', his small yet significant role in 'Rang De Basanti', the inspiring Farhan Qureshi in '3 Idiots', the endearing desi NRI in 'Tanu Weds Manu' or his menacing turn in 'Shaitaan', audiences have never been able to bracket him into a single genre.

Even as a director, he made his mark with his debut directorial venture 'Rocketry: The Nambi Effect', which won the National Award for 'Best Feature Film'. Now, his portrayal of a railway official fighting against a banking scam in 'Hisaab Barabar' on 'Zee5' is resonating with the common man. The film also stars Neil Nitin Mukesh and Kirti Kulhari. Aging like fine wine, Madhavan is one of the few Indian actors who has managed to stay relevant while leaving a lasting impact on viewers. A pan-Indian star and an actor par excellence, Madhavan speaks with 'Millennium Post' about smartphone addiction, the impact of artificial intelligence and more.

Films on financial scams are becoming more prominent in Indian cinema. What made you choose 'Hisaab Barabar' on 'Zee5'?

I kept receiving messages about small deductions from my account, minor interest additions and OTP requests for services I never applied for. It made me think back to when I had a passbook. I always knew exactly how much money I had in my bank. Back then, I felt in control of my finances. Now, I often don't even know my account balance at a given moment and frankly, I'd rather not, because dealing with the bank is exhausting. Every conversation with them just makes things more complicated.