Madhavan at 51, “I don’t feel older”

Tamil-Hindi heartthrob R Madhavan turns 51 on June 1. He has flown to Dubai for the special day to be with his wife Sarita and son Vedant.

For the actor who started 28 years ago in the game-changing series Banegi Apni Baat when Indian television was yet to find its legs, Madhavan retains a remarkably fresh and virginal attitude to life and his work. And youth is not a gift to Madhavan from the gym.

He laughs, “I honestly don’t feel 51. I guess it comes from a positive attitude to my work, family , everything. I don’t allow any negativity in my life. You won’t see me moping over a flop or preening over a hit.”

Sarita his “one and only” wife of 22 years, is his anchor and best friend (“besides you of course,” he reminds when referring to his wife as his BFF) . How has he managed a rocksteady marriage in the entertainment industry where the ‘Hammer’ falls on an ‘Armie’ of couples?

“Ha , good one. Sarita would kill me if I strayed. How do I avoid temptation? With a nice cold shower,” he quips.

As for this birthday his second during lockdown Maddy says, “Honestly. I’m keeping it really really low and just having dinner with my Sarita and Vedant. I wish my parents were here with us in Dubai. But hey, I’m being greedy. God has given me so much. Even during these tough times my family is safe and healthy, touchwood. I couldn’t ask for more. We just pray for a lot of peace around the world. Hopefully my next birthday would be pandemic-free.”

As for turning 51, Madhavan says, “I don’t feel any older and I don’t have any qualms about growing older either. I know it sounds clichéd, but I genuinely feel you are as young or old as you feel. I think I’ve a perfect life. I remember when my first Hindi film Rehna Hai Terre Dil Mein had released I had told you I wished it was as big a hit as Hrithik Roshan’s Kaho …Na Pyar Hai. Today I am proud of every film that I’ve done and wouldn’t change or exchange a thing. If I had a chance to go back and change anything in my life, I’d change absolutely nothing.”