Latest news with #Madhavan
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Up, up and a new way: Deepanjana Pal writes on a new kind of hero
No one is watching James Gunn's Superman for its romantic subplot, which is why few viewers likely clocked the 11 seconds snipped from Clark Kent (David Corenswet) and Lois Lane's (Rachel Brosnahan) first kiss. There is a similar cut in the second kiss, before Superman and Lois levitate. While all the bits with dialogue have been left in, there is still damage being done with these deletions, because these scenes are part of Gunn effort to spotlight the 'man' rather than the 'super'. Yes, his Superman can shoot laser beams from his eyes, but he is also someone who fights to save puppies and yearns for time with the woman he loves. Now, in mainstream Indian cinema, the hero with a softer side is a staple. Our blockbuster star may win every fistfight, but he first loses his heart, sings a song and perhaps even sheds a few tears for his beloved. The dividing line between action star and romantic lead is typically blurry too, with one needing love to humanise him and the other indulging in displays of conventional machismo to ensure the patriarchal cage isn't rattled. Recently, though, a new variant of the hero has emerged here too: a man whose strength lies in his capacity to embrace vulnerability. He was most recently spotted in Netflix's new release, Aap Jaisa Koi, directed by Vivek Soni. The 55-year-old star of this film, R Madhavan, said he signed up for it because he figured it may be his last chance to play a romantic lead. This is a romance told largely from the point of view of the hero, Shrirenu Tripathi. The heroine Madhu Bose (Fatima Sana Shaikh), a French teacher in Kolkata, is less a person and more a hologram in floaty saris. If this setup seems to work, it is because Madhavan is an experienced hand at the romance genre and is able to even out the many awkward edges (and lines of dialogue) with the smoothness of his performance. His Shrirenu is a man of tradition; a Sanskrit teacher, no less. Yet he is also a man of hesitations, anxieties and heartbreaks. A 42-year-old virgin from Jamshedpur, he feels real. Most of us know someone like him, and Madhavan's performance emphasises how normal the character is, even though everyone in the film treats him as an oddity. This protagonist continues Dharma Productions' mission of salvaging heroes from toxic masculinity. Like Rocky of Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023), he is a well-meaning man-child forced to question the conservative values he was raised with when he falls in love with a Bengali woman who lives in a grand old house full of song, dance and art. Unlike Rocky, though, this hero has no youthful swagger and doesn't bother with facades. Madhavan plays him as a bumbling fool who is unpretentious and unabashedly tender. Shrirenu chooses to course-correct partly because he realises the error of patriarchy's ways, but also because he is desperately lonely. In popular culture, the loner is invariably portrayed as a deviant of some sort, but not here. This character emerges, instead, as someone valiantly struggling to navigate the world anew. 'I've been a teacher for most of my life, but now I'll be a student,' he promises Madhu. 'I'll make mistakes, but I'll also apologise… Whatever and however I may be, I will love you as my equal.' Shrirenu's admission of his imperfections makes him perfect for the woman he loves, in Aap Jaisa Koi, just as Superman's weaknesses, rather than his extraordinary strength, makes him heroic. There may not be much superficial similarity between the two men, but look past their facades and both are more softie than man-of-steel. Let's hope these new, tenderer ideals of manliness can hold their own against the age-old clichés of masculinity. (To reach Deepanjana Pal with feedback, write to @dpanjana on Instagram)
News18
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
This Bollywood Actor Was Once A Teacher; Dated His Student, Then Married Her
Long before R Madhavan became a heartthrob on the big screen, he was a soft-spoken teacher helping students find confidence. One of those students ended up changing the course of his life forever. Back in 1991, in Kolhapur, a young woman named Sarita Birje enrolled in Madhavan's personality development class. She was preparing for a career in aviation. (News18 Telugu) After landing her first job, she invited her teacher out for a thank-you dinner. That evening sparked a connection that quietly grew into something more than just mentor and student. Eight years later, the two were married in a traditional Tamil ceremony. Sarita wasn't a co-star or an industry insider. She was simply someone who saw the man before the fame. And Madhavan, who would go on to win hearts in both South Indian cinema and Bollywood, never forgot that. (News18 Telugu) 3/7 Their marriage in 1999 came just a year before his breakthrough in Mani Ratnam's 'Alai Payuthey' (Sakhi in Telugu), which catapulted him to stardom as the charming, relatable lover boy. While fans fell in love with his on-screen romance, Madhavan was already living a quiet, steady love story behind the scenes. He often brought Sarita to film shoots, not out of insecurity, but out of a commitment to stay close despite the chaos of the film world. (News18 Telugu) Now, 26 years later, the couple remains rock solid. Madhavan credits the longevity of their relationship to trust, personal space, and humor. He often jokes that "no man can win an argument with his wife", and adds that Sarita handles the finances and even knows his phone password. That's how deep the trust runs, he says. (News18 Telugu) 5/7 Their son, Vedant, has carved a name of his own in the world of competitive swimming. A national-level athlete, Vedant clinched gold at the Danish Open and silver at the Asian Age Group Championship in 2022. Madhavan, while proud, keeps his parenting grounded, saying, "Everyone's watching you because of who your father is. So stay humble. Stay focused." (News18 Telugu) 6/7 Even in 2025, Madhavan isn't slowing down. With back-to-back projects like 'Shaitaan' (2024) and 'Kesari Chapter 2' (2025), he continues to evolve, choosing roles that stretch beyond his lover-boy image. And Sarita? She's still beside him, sometimes even behind the camera, having worked as a costume designer for a few of his films. (News18 Telugu)
India Today
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Why the love genre comes naturally to film director Vivek Soni
First it was Meenakshi Sundareshwar, now it's Aap Jaisa Koi. Vivek Soni didn't intend it so, but he's become the go-to filmmaker for love stories on the back of two Netflix originals. As if that's not enough, he has already wrapped another romance, Chand Mera Dil, featuring Ananya Panday and Lakshya (of Kill fame).'I have always loved love stories, and I wait for a beautiful one to come along,' says the young director. 'I am too new to bear any tag. They are a very intuitive thing for me. The genre comes naturally to me. Who doesn't like love stories?'advertisementNetflix audiences sure do his latest heart-warming concoction, starring R. Madhavan and Fatima Sana Shaikh. Aap Jaisa Koi has been trending at #1 on the Netflix India Top 10 since its release on July Soni, the trick to making a romance click lies in adding 'a personal touch' and telling it with honesty. 'I want to say it with a nazariya,' he Jaisa Koi comes at a time when the genre has seen a major fillip with soundtracks of Anurag Basu's MetroIn Dino and Mohit Suri's Saiyaara generating much buzz. After a dry spell at the box-office, the genre received a sizeable boost with a decent performance of Basu's film and a surprise bumper opening for Saiyaara in the range of Rs 15-20 Aap Jaisa Koi, Soni works with Madhavan, a veteran actor whose charm is one of the winning attributes of the film. 'He is a wonderful actor, so easy to work with. He doesn't think of a scene as his alone,' says Soni. 'He surrendered to the process.'At the same time, Madhavan also contributed, given his experience and own stint as a director (Rocketry: The Nambi Effect). 'He (Madhavan) had thoughts on how we could enhance the script; he is open to magical, spontaneous moments,' adds is paramount to Soni's narrative style. 'It's what comes first when I decide a story; it's as important as the crux of the story,' he says. 'I love films which give me an immersive experience, take me to a place and a feeling that I crave for. I try to give the same essence to the audience.' In Aap Jaisa Koi, it's Kolkata and Jamshedpur that form the backdrop against which two hearts Soni's filmmaking experience prior to his directorial debut is in stark contrast to the genre he's associated with. He assisted Abhishek Chaubey on Udta Punjab and Sonchiriya and then worked with Honey Trehan on Raat Akeli on the sets of these films was, if not more, as beneficial as being in film school. 'You learn on the ground' says Soni. 'You realise filmmaking is not about handling ego but pushing the cast and crew and getting the best out of them. How do you bring people from different sets of mind and cultures and different approaches to filmmaking on your page and understand your vision?' More than what to do, he says, these stints taught him what not to filmmakers such as Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese and Govind Nihalani as favourites and his penchant for all genres, Soni says it's just mere coincidence that his first three efforts are in the lighter space. 'Perhaps after five years, I will make a gritty, dark film,' he says. 'What's important is to listen to your gut. Whatever it is must come from within.'For now, though, Soni is glad to be working with the Dharma banner, which has produced all his films. 'The kind of creative freedom you get, it's rare to find it. You feel empowered; there is trust,' he says. 'You can tell a story the way you want. That's what a creative person strives for.'Subscribe to India Today Magazine- Ends
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First Post
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- First Post
Netflix's 'Aap Jaisa Koi' actor R. Madhavan heaps praises on 'Heads of State' star Priyanka Chopra: 'Actors in India would want to be in her position and...'
'I'm a really big fan of how she is and how she's carried herself. I am very proud of her,' added the actor. read more Netflix's 'Aap Jaisa Koi' actor R. Madhavan has heaped praises on global star Priyanka Chopra in his recent interview. Madhavan was quoted saying, 'She has nonchalantly gone there and taken the main lead in such a massive Hollywood project. She's done action in the film, and I think half of the heroes in India would love to be in her position, playing a role in that kind of movie.' 'I'm a really big fan of how she is and how she's carried herself. I am very proud of her,' added the actor. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Talking about his Dhurandhar co-star Ranveer Singh, Madhavan said, 'I don't think Ranveer Singh has ever been written off. A couple of 'not so good' films doesn't end an actor's career.' Madhavan added, 'He's truly good and an extraordinary actor. But, it makes a good copy in the press and media to keep writing people off and bring them back.' The actor continued, 'If you see the great actors in Hollywood like Tom Cruise and Tom Hanks, they don't do 50-60 films in their lifetime. They barely do 14-15 movies in their entire life. Even the biggest of stars, they also don't do beyond 15 films in their lifetime. That is the pace of doing good stories. Here we think that if we are not shooting for three months, it means we are losing our market. Both Ranveer and I don't come from that insecurity.'
News18
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
R. Madhavan's Remarkable 21-Day Weight Loss Transformation
Last Updated: R. Madhavan stunned fans with a 21-day weight loss transformation—no gym, no crash diets, just mindful habits and discipline. Actor R. Madhavan, fondly remembered as Maddy from Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, continues to captivate fans not just with his acting but now with a stunning physical transformation. The actor, last seen in Aap Jaisa Koi, made waves in 2024 when he shed several kilos in just 21 days, surprising fans and health enthusiasts alike. What stood out was that he didn't rely on crash diets or intense workout regimes. Instead, Madhavan adopted a simple, structured lifestyle—one that focused on discipline, natural habits, and sustainability. The Simplicity Behind Madhavan's Weight Loss In a viral clip from his chat with Curly Tales, Madhavan opened up about his wellness journey. He later tweeted a detailed summary of his approach, which read: 'Intermittent fasting, heavy chewing of food 45-60 times (drink your food and chew your water)… last meal at 6.45 pm (only cooked food—nothing raw AT ALL post 3 pm)… early morning long walks and early night deep sleep (no screen time 90 min before bed)… plenty of fluids… lots of green vegetables and food that is easily metabolised by your body and healthy. Nothing processed at all." Let's break down the methods behind his inspiring transformation. 1. Intermittent Fasting Madhavan followed a strict intermittent fasting routine. He consumed his final meal of the day by 6:45 PM and avoided raw foods after 3:00 PM. This fasting window allowed his body to rest and reset, helping manage insulin sensitivity and boosting overall health. Intermittent fasting is known to support weight loss, metabolic balance, and even better digestion, making it a popular wellness trend. 2. Chewing Every Bite—A Lot A major highlight of Madhavan's routine was mindful eating. He chewed each bite 45 to 60 times. This might sound excessive, but science backs this up. A 2014 study in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggested that increasing the number of chews per bite can help reduce food intake and assist in weight management. It improves digestion, gives your body more time to signal fullness, and enhances nutrient absorption. 3. Walking Over Workouts Rather than intense gym sessions, the 3 Idiots star opted for long walks early in the morning. Simple yet effective, walking is a low-impact activity that burns calories, boosts mood, and improves cardiovascular health. In fact, research in the American Heart Association Journals confirms that regular walking helps combat belly fat and promotes lean muscle retention. 4. Screen-Free Evenings and Sound Sleep Madhavan credited quality sleep as a pillar of his weight loss success. He ensured he avoided screen exposure at least 90 minutes before bedtime to improve his sleep quality. Good sleep plays a crucial role in regulating hormones related to hunger and metabolism. When the body rests well, it naturally supports weight loss efforts. 5. Hydration and Natural Foods Throughout his transformation, Madhavan remained well-hydrated and focused on eating foods his body could easily process. He prioritized green vegetables and stayed away from all processed items. The emphasis was on natural, clean, and wholesome meals—nothing raw post-afternoon, and no packaged foods at all. R. Madhavan's 21-day journey proves that profound results don't always need extreme measures. With commitment to mindful habits—like eating clean, moving gently, sleeping well, and listening to one's body—sustainable and healthy weight loss is within reach. His story is a powerful reminder that wellness isn't about quick fixes but consistent, conscious living. The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 17, 2025, 08:41 IST News lifestyle » health-and-fitness R. Madhavan's Remarkable 21-Day Weight Loss Transformation Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
