R. Madhavan on embracing grey hair and ageing naturally: ‘I’m not competing with anyone’, shares how Rajinikanth and Ajith Kumar inspired his approach

R Madhavan is known for his some iconic roles and characters he showcased throughout his Bollywood journey. His way of approaching his characters and his personality on and off camera is a little natural. He recently spoke about how he is embracing his natural grey hair and he is very comfortable the way it looks.

Why Madhavan Is Comfortable with Grey Hair

In an interview with ETimes, he spoke about how he prefers to keep his natural appearance and never had a problem with grey hair. He also said until and unless it is not for a character he is simply okay with grey hair and it is a part of growing older.


“I am not good at carrying baggage, nor am I good at carrying lies. Ab safed baal aa gaye toh aa gaye. (Now that I have grey hair, I have grey hair) I have never dyed my hair, unless it is required for a role,” he said. Madhavan also explained that his perspective was influenced by two senior actors he deeply admires, Rajinikanth and Ajith Kumar. “I have learnt that from Rajinikanth sir. He doesn’t care about how he looks off-screen, but on-screen, he is magic. Just like my friend Ajith (Kumar),” he added.

Madhavan also said that he learnt from his seniors that if it is not for a film or a particular character he does not have a problem and is very comfortable with his own identity.

“I’ve learnt from my peers and seniors that it really doesn’t matter what your off-screen image is,” Madhavan said. The actor further stressed that he does not see age or younger performers as something he needs to compete against. Instead, his focus remains on improving his own craft. “I am very comfortable in my shoes, so I’m not going to project that I’m younger than anybody. I’m not competing with someone who’s younger than me. I’m competing with my own ability and my ability to bring out the best in me. There’s an acceptance of who I am,” he said.

Evolving Choices and Versatile Roles

His decision to age naturally also mirrors the evolution of the roles he selects. Instead of sticking to a consistent on-screen personality, R. Madhavan has progressively taken on characters that require varied physical looks and a wider range of emotional depth.

Stepping into a Real-Life Icon in G.D.N.

R. Madhavan’s approach toward portraying varied real-life figures is evident in his latest film, G.D.N., which hit theatres on August 7. Helmed by Krishnakumar Ramakumar, the biographical drama sees him step into the role of Gopalaswamy Duraiswamy Naidu, widely known as GD Naidu, the celebrated inventor from Coimbatore.

[With TOI inputs]