Gandhi is my style icon

Known for his professionalism and flexibility, Madhavan aka Maddy brought his unique charm to Bollywood and Kollywood, where he has been for almost a decade now. Be it the Tamil flick ‘Alaipayuthey’ or ‘Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein’ for which he received the ‘Screen Award for Most Promising Newcomer’ or the recent ‘Tanu Weds Manu Returns’, Madhavan made his mark with the characters he played.

In a quick chat with CityTAB, ace actor Madhavan talks about the situation in Chennai, his transition to Bollywood, interpretation about fashion and a lot more. Read on...

The 45-year-old actor says, “Backgrounds aren’t that important. I am from Tamil Nadu so that department was taken care of. And, since I was born and brought up in Bihar; that was an added bonus since I could work in both the Bollywood and Kollywood.”

Adding about his transition to Bollywood, he says “I am still not satisfied and happy. I am no Shah Rukh or Salman yet. There is a lot more to do. I really want to do a mythological kind of role like ‘Baahubali’.”

Elaborating on his love for movies, Madhavan says “I watch three movies a day. I like those movies that are audience-friendly, which don’t give me all the “gyaan” and insights into sad things in life. I prefer watching movies which I can enjoy, whistle and clap.”

Talking about his upcoming film ‘Saala Kadoos’ and why they opted for such a wacky name, Madhavan says, “You will see the film and you will understand. I can’t talk much about it right now as the promotion budget is about nine crore and my PR team will screw me if I give out the details now (laughs). But yes, the role was very challenging as I am playing a veteran boxing coach in the film. The trailer will release soon (on December 18).”

The actor who was in the city for ‘Blenders Pride Fashion Tour (BPFT) 2015’ says “BPFT is a very nice and unique concept and I am glad I am a part of it. For me, style is eternal. It is all about how it makes you stand out. Some people have stylish clothes, some people have stylish attitude, some have stylish way of speaking and some have everything combined. Everything you do, the way you do, contributes to your style.

“My style icon is Mahatma Gandhi. You can depict him in so many ways. He became a style icon throughout the world with his bare minimum requirements in life. Nobody is as synonymous as Gadhiji,” says Madhavan.

Coming to Chennai floods, he says “It is good to see the spirit of Chennai; victims turning into volunteers and helping out each other. My parents and sister are in Chennai. The situation seems to be slightly better. The way people opened up their homes to help out their fellow citizens, it is commendable.”

By Meenakshi Sengupta