Veteran actor R Madhavan, known for his charismatic portrayals in romantic films, has expressed his profound satisfaction at securing age-appropriate roles in the genre throughout his career. Speaking at the trailer launch of his upcoming romantic feature, Aap Jaisa Koi, Madhavan highlighted the rarity and importance of such opportunities in the Indian film industry.
“I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to play age-appropriate roles in romantic films, whether it was ‘Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein’ or ‘Tanu Weds Manu’, or my upcoming feature, ‘Aap Jaisa Koi’,” Madhavan stated. He noted that very few actors get the chance to truly play their age in such stories, allowing for a more authentic and relatable portrayal of love.
In Aap Jaisa Koi, Madhavan plays Shrirenu Tripathi, a 42-year-old man, opposite Fatima Sana Shaikh’s 32-year-old Madhu Bose. The film is described as a heartwarming drama celebrating connection, companionship, and the discovery of “Barabari Wala Pyaar” (equal love) in unexpected circumstances.
Madhavan reflected on the unique aspect of love, regardless of age. “I realised that it doesn’t matter which age you fall in love. When you fall in love for the first time, you behave like a teenager, no matter where in which position you are in, you become like a teenager. Vivek (Soni, the director) has beautifully captured this tale of first-time love,” he explained.
The actor, who has previously admitted to feeling “sh***ing bricks” when playing an 18-year-old in 3 Idiots at the age of 40, has increasingly advocated for age-appropriate casting. He has often voiced his discomfort with romantic pairings featuring large age gaps that feel unrealistic or “cringey.”
“After so many years, I’m doing a romantic story which is age-appropriate, and very few people get that opportunity,” Madhavan reiterated, expressing his enthusiasm for portraying the love stories of individuals in their 40s. “When I heard the story and I learnt that I’m playing a 40-year-old man, I felt it’s good to show their love stories. It was a wonderful journey for me from ‘RHTDM’ to ‘Aap Jaisa Koi’.”
Aap Jaisa Koi, directed by Vivek Soni (Meenakshi Sundareshwar fame) and produced by Karan Johar’s Dharmatic Entertainment, is set to premiere on Netflix on July 11. The film promises a mature yet fresh take on romance, aligning with Madhavan’s preference for roles that resonate with real-life experiences and eschew unrealistic age portrayals often seen in cinema.
Key Highlights:
- R Madhavan expressed his happiness at getting to play age-appropriate roles in romantic films, citing his upcoming movie Aap Jaisa Koi.
- In Aap Jaisa Koi, Madhavan plays a 42-year-old man, emphasizing that the film portrays love authentically regardless of age.
- He contrasted this with past roles, like playing an 18-year-old in 3 Idiots at 40, and highlighted the rarity of such age-appropriate opportunities for actors.
- The film, directed by Vivek Soni and produced by Dharmatic Entertainment, is set to release on Netflix on July 11, promising a refreshing take on mature romance.