R Madhavan recalls being told to lie about his marital status

R Madhavan was told to hide his marriage before Alaipayuthey, here’s why he refused

13 September,2026 09:19 AM IST |  Mumbai  |  mid-day online correspondent

R Madhavan revealed he was asked to hide his marital status before Alaipayuthey as the team feared audiences might not accept a married romantic hero. However, he refused to pretend he was single and chose to stand by his wife

Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio

R Madhavan was already married when Alaipayuthey turned him into one of Tamil cinema’s most promising romantic heroes. But before the film’s release, its publicity team reportedly worried that his marital status could affect his image. Madhavan, however, refused to hide his marriage, choosing to stand by his wife instead.

R Madhavan on hiding his marital status

Speaking at an event at the Indian School of Business, R Madhavanspoke about his approach to making career decisions, saying he has never allowed conventional industry norms to influence the choices he makes as an actor. Madhavan had married Sarita around six months before Alaipayuthey was released. According to the actor, the film’s publicity department worried that audiences might reject a married newcomer in a romantic role and told him to hide his marital status.

However, the advice did not sit well with him. “So I went to Mani sir and said, ‘They are asking me to lie.’ He said, ‘Do whatever you want.’ I think it was an insult to him that just because the hero is married, a Mani Ratnam film will flop. That is not the right picture,” he said. Madhavan’s marriage became a talking point at the press conference anyway. “As expected, the first question they asked me was, ‘Sir, I believe you are married and your wife is here. Are you confident that you will be accepted as a romantic hero by the audience?'”

Madhavan decided there was no question of pretending otherwise. “I said, ‘I have come here as an actor and I am portraying a character. But I cannot ignore this woman who is beside me, whom I married, and pretend that she doesn’t exist just because of this. That is really humiliating. I am really sorry if I don’t become a romantic hero. That is fine. But I want to say that I am willing to take that risk rather than disrespect my wife.'”

When R Madhavan opened up about his son

Actor R Madhavan had opened up about the parenting lessons he wanted to pass on to his son, Vedaant Madhavan, saying it was important that the young swimming champion understood the value of gratitude despite growing up in a privileged environment. The actor revealed that while he could afford to give his son almost everything he wanted, he made a conscious effort to ensure Vedaant never took that lifestyle for granted.

On the work front, the actor was a part of the Dhurandhar franchise, in which he played the role of Ajay Sanyal. He was also seen in the GD Naidu biopic, in which he played the renowned inventor known as the Edison of India. Up next, rumours are rife that he is a part of Shaitaan and the 3 Idiots sequel.

“Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!” Click here!
R Madhavanmani ratnambollywoodbollywood newsEntertainment News

• Anuparna Roy clarifies Songs of Forgotten Trees is not banned in India

• Tanya Maniktala wins IFFJK Best Actress for Arifa from Muhabbat Se

• Haiwaan BO day 2: Akshay Kumar film fails to overtake Mirzapur The Movie

• Salman Khan to launch bodyguard Shera’s son with THIS film

• ‘It’s all rumours’: Hanuman Ansh producer on reports of Rs 100 crore OTT deal

• Armaan Malik defends Amaal Mallik after Salman Khan fans call them ‘ungrateful’

• Watch: Alia Bhatt’s bodyguard pushes fan trying to take a selfie

{{#allowed}}
{{#config.logo.enabled}}

{{/config.logo.enabled}}

{{/allowed}}