Rendezvous With Madhavan

Looking drop dead gorgeous after losing oodles of weight, R Madhvan is back in Bollywood after a short sabbatical, ready to start his new film - an untitled biopic. From being a chocolate boy to a tough task master, he has been there, done that. Getting into the skin of every charecter and doing justice to the roles he portrays is nothing new for this multi-talented man. And at 47, he's still making people go crazy over him. Sharbani Mukherjee gets chatty with the handsome hunk and brings to you his thoughts about life, career, family and future, Read on...

- Sharbani Mukherjee

You have your own unique position in B-town but have you ever wanted your film to have a phenomenal opening like the Khans?

I think I got the biggest break possible even after being a newcomer, given by Mani Ratnam. I feel really humbled when many mothers bring their daughters to me and say that they are both huge fans of my work.

I think I can be greedy and want to be like the Khans. But of course, Shah Rukh and Salman are way ahead and really big stars. But it feels awesome to be 47, and still have this kind of a fan following. I don’t have to really walk around with a lot of security. I don’t have to worry and keep myself away from the public. There’s mutual respect. I am envious of them but at the same time, quite happy with where I am.

You have given a remarkable film like Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein. How do you feel about being the man of the generation?

I honestly don’t think I am that much of an inspiration yet. I look upto people like Mr Bachchan, Shah Rukh, Hrithik and Kamal Haasan. They are aspirational for me. They are so grounded and know how to handle the glamour and glitz of the industry. In my opinion I am still learning.

But as far as Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein is concerned, it wasn’t a hit when it had released. It posthumously became a blockbuster. And that was my biggest regret. Because I knew it had a great story and the music was awesome. But somehow, we missed the bus then of being tagged as a ‘hit’. But now it is termed by many as the ‘film of the generation’ and that is something which is unbelievable.

Can you share with us three valuable lessons of life which your mentor Mani Ratnam had shared with you and which have helped you achieve success?