No chemicals. Actor Madhavan has a simple Ayurvedic routine for his hair and skin care. His dietary habits will also surprise you

Economic Times

15-07-2025

Synopsis
R. Madhavan, who recently celebrated his 55th birthday in Dubai, shares his secrets to aging gracefully. He emphasizes simplicity, discipline, and mindful living, incorporating traditional practices like oil massages and a diet of fresh, seasonal foods.
R. Madhavan's Secret to Staying Youthful and Grounded at 55 Veteran actor R. Madhavan recently marked his 55th birthday with a heartwarming getaway to Dubai, where he spent quality time with his loved ones. Known not just for his memorable performances on screen but also for his youthful charm, the Tamil star continues to impress fans with his vibrant personality and well-maintained physique. In an interaction with GQ India , Madhavan offered a detailed glimpse into his holistic approach to staying fit and joyful—an approach rooted in simplicity, discipline, and mindful living.The actor has become a symbol of grace with his effortlessly cool salt-and-pepper look, especially noticed in his appearance in Kesari 2. Instead of resisting aging, he embraces it with pride. Madhavan believes in letting nature take its course, advocating for an authentic approach to one's appearance. His routine includes basking in the morning sun, enjoying fresh, home-cooked meals, and practicing traditional self-care like oil massages. For him, growing older is not something to hide but to honour, and he consciously chooses to reflect that in his lifestyle and choices.
Madhavan revealed his hair routine was a continuation of a tradition passed down from his childhood. Every Sunday, he practices a full-body oil bath using sesame oil, also known as nalla ennai, paying special attention to the scalp. On other days, coconut oil replaces sesame, applied in a ritualistic, precise manner rooted in Ayurvedic teachings. This consistent habit, practiced over two decades, has become a cornerstone of his wellness regime, helping him maintain healthy hair naturally.While many turn to expensive skincare products, Madhavan said he relies on sun exposure and natural remedies. Playing golf in the early morning hours helps him tighten his skin and stay free of premature wrinkles. He proudly claims that he hasn't resorted to cosmetic procedures like fillers. Instead, his radiant skin is the result of pure coconut oil, regular hydration through coconut water, sunlight, and a predominantly vegetarian diet. These elements, he says, are what truly nourish and heal the skin from within.Madhavan's dietary discipline dates back to his childhood, when his family didn't own a refrigerator, requiring meals to be cooked fresh daily. That upbringing instilled a deep-rooted habit of eating seasonal, unprocessed food. He avoids reheated dishes, packaged snacks, or foods that aren't naturally in season. Even while shooting, he travels with a personal cook who prepares simple home-style dishes like dal, sabzi, and rice—meals that remind him of his mother's kitchen.For Madhavan, wellness doesn't involve extreme diets or trendy eating schedules. He eats only when he genuinely feels hunger, rather than sticking to rigid meal timings. He also rejects the modern vilification of rice, sharing how his grandparents, who lived well into their 90s, thrived on rice thrice a day. Steering clear of fried foods and alcohol, he focuses on comfort food that keeps his body and mind aligned. This intuitive eating habit, he believes, is central to his vitality.Professionally, Madhavan continues to be active in both Hindi and Tamil cinema. He recently appeared opposite Fatima Sana Shaikh in Netflix's romantic film Aap Jaisa Koi. Looking ahead, he has a packed schedule with roles in Dhurandhar, a film featuring Ranveer Singh; the sequel De De Pyaar De 2; and a Tamil venture titled Adhirshtasaali.His secret to thriving? A deeply rooted, no-frills lifestyle—anchored in tradition, love, and self-awareness.