R. Madhavan is back in the spotlight with Aap Jaisa Koi, a heartwarming family drama that explores love, loneliness, and rediscovery in life’s quieter chapters. As Shrirenu Tripathi a quiet, 42-year-old man who unexpectedly rediscovers love and himself Madhavan delivers one of his most layered performances yet. Directed by Vivek Soni and co-starring Fatima Sana Shaikh, the film explores emotional vulnerability, second chances, and the beauty of finding “Barabari Wala Pyaar.” In a candid chat with LIPIKA VARMA, Madhavan opens up about the film, love, ageing, and his evolving journey as an actor.
Excerpts-
What drew you to Aap Jaisa Koi, and what was it like playing Shrirenu?
Aap Jaisa Koi is unlike any love story I’ve done before; it’s quiet, awkward, and deeply human. Shrirenu is one of the most complex characters I’ve played, someone who longs for companionship and closeness, but doesn’t quite know how to ask for it, yet he is rich with emotion underneath. This film isn’t loud or dramatic it’s patient, gentle, and deeply affecting. I was drawn to how it speaks to all the people who’ve felt overlooked in life or love. The film is a reminder that it’s never too late to start living on your own terms. It’s a story about vulnerability, rediscovery, and the idea that it’s never too late to open your heart.
How has your view on romance changed over the years?
Back in our day, we didn’t have apps or access to this kind of dating culture. Whatever ways romance happened was considered just okay. [hamare zamane mein choice nahi tha jo sahi tha romance mein bhi sahi mana jata hai] We didn’t have the mode to access dating apps. Therefore, if we wanted to meet a person in the city, it was difficult to meet as that culture didn’t exist. However, it was appropriate in that zamana, where we would simply say main aapko pasand karta hoon. [I like you]. But now all those rules have changed drastically. Each generation is different, and I’ve learned a lot from observing that shift.
Did you face any challenges portraying a character older than your usual roles?
Yes, while playing this character in Aap Jaisa Koi, also, age-wise, you should not look very old; your pairing needs to be matching to a certain level at least. So, I didn’t want to keep in shape. I decided to keep a little bit of stubble and blacken it a little so he should look younger. But director Vivek refused my recommendations. Just after the song was released, I felt good, I followed my director’s suggestions on the looks of my character, as the song was loved by the audience.
There’s a tenderness in your performance. How did you get that physical and emotional nuance right?
Certain nuances, such as complete surrender, are always beneficial, as I noticed the body language also looked good. Yes, there are times when you feel weird bodily and mentally, as you try to hold your character both ways. However, I am ultimately pleased with the way my character has been portrayed by my director.
The film touches on age-gap relationships. What’s your take on that?
Yes, this is happening nowadays in society. Earlier, there would be a ten-year age gap between a couple, which has been reduced to three years or so in this generation. There are such couples with age differences, like you see in Aap Jaisa Koi.
Tell us about your beginnings in the entertainment world.
I hail from Bihar. I started with TV just because I was getting a pay package of 3,000/ as my per-day salary. I never had a keen interest in becoming an actor. Those days, I noticed many actors had that eagerness to get more work on the acting front. However, for me, I did condition myself that way. I didn’t have that eagerness, any references. I just went with the flow. I had a different outlook altogether. Some people understood my intent while others didn’t.
You began films at 32. What helped you grow in the industry?
I entered the film industry when I was 30 years old. When I was playing my first role, I was only 32 years old. I realized very quickly that if I continue to do films, I’ll have to learn acting nuances in this industry and other departments also. I soon got to work with all the bigwigs like Kamal Haasan, Director Mani Ratnam, and more. I realized I’m just dancing and singing songs. I didn’t understand how to move ahead. Thankfully, many directors liked my work and started giving me good roles. Now, who would like to give me the villain’s role in Shaitaan. Ajay Devgn, Kumar, and Vikas [Bahl] had that vision to cast me; they trusted me and gave that role to me. Also, I feel this is the best year of my career. I give a lot of credit to all my directors, as they gave me the space and have also seen my potential.
Despite this success, do you ever feel isolated in this journey?
I’m working hard, yet sometimes I wonder – What am I doing at this age, is it worth it? Shooting on the sets is my dream, and I feel happy. But when I go into my hotel room after shooting, since I can’t go out, I am like a loner. I miss being with my wife and son. There are days I wonder if I’m missing out on those precious family moments. So, at times I feel busy professionally and ponder if I am missing out on my prime time, as I am not getting enough time to spend with my family, doing things that I like. I am also lazy, but when I look at Ajay [Devgn] and Akshay [Kumar], I feel yaar yeh log toh abh bhi lage huve hai.
