R. Madhavan, affectionately known as 'Maddy,' has carved an indelible niche in the Indian film industry. From Tamil cinema to the Bombay film industry, he has consistently showcased his versatile talent, working with acclaimed directors like Mani Ratnam and Rajkumar Hirani across diverse genres. As he approaches his 30th year in the industry in 2026, Madhavan recently starred alongside Ajay Devgn, Rakul Preet, and Meezaan Jafri in the romantic comedy-drama 'De De Pyaar De 2, while ' During promotions for the film, the actor candidly spoke about the profound anxiety he experiences on set, revealing that this fear escalates with every new project he undertakes. His journey, marked by critical acclaim and commercial success, paradoxically comes with an underlying current of self-doubt and apprehension about his professional longevity.
The Gnawing Fear of "It's Over" on Set
In an exclusive conversation with Mirchi Plus, R. Madhavan delved into the specifics of his professional anxieties, while he confessed that these days, whenever he steps onto a film set, he's immediately gripped by a significant fear. On the very first day of shooting, he feels an intense scrutiny, believing that everyone is observing him and silently concluding, "It's over, Maddy's career is finished," or "He can no longer act, while " Madhavan admitted that this unsettling feeling only worsens with each subsequent film. This apprehension extends beyond his co-stars and directors; he even fears his own assistants. He imagines them watching him, thinking that it's time to find someone else because "he doesn't know anything anymore. " This pervasive fear of being deemed obsolete or losing his acting prowess is a constant companion, growing with every new film, highlighting the immense pressure and insecurity that even established actors face in the highly competitive entertainment industry.
Working Alongside Superstar Ajay Devgn
During the same interview, Madhavan expressed his delight in collaborating with superstar Ajay Devgn, with whom he previously worked on the hit film 'Shaitaan' and now 'De De Pyaar De 2. ' Madhavan lauded Devgn, initially admitting that when they first started working on 'Shaitaan,' his instinct was to leave Devgn alone, assuming he preferred not to engage in much conversation, while however, Madhavan quickly discovered that once Devgn becomes comfortable, it's incredibly enjoyable to witness what he shares and to engage with him. He noted that it takes a little time to understand Devgn, but. Both his innocence and Madhavan's own curiosity were maintained throughout their collaborations. Madhavan conveyed immense pride in Devgn, emphasizing the positive and enriching. Experience of working alongside such a prominent figure in the industry.
The Three-Year Hiatus: A Moment of Introspection
Madhavan had previously spoken about his decision to take a three-year break from films, a period he initiated. Due to profound dissatisfaction with the kind of work he was doing and a growing disconnect from his roles. He recounted a specific incident that served as a pivotal moment, prompting this significant career decision. Madhavan recalled shooting a Tamil song in Switzerland, dressed in orange pants and. A green shirt, dancing to the music in the middle of a street. He noticed a Swiss farmer observing them with an angry expression, shaking his head.
Madhavan's initial reaction was a defiant thought: "You come to Chennai, I'll show you who I am. " However, he immediately felt bad about this thought and had a sudden realization. He understood that he was literally "dancing to other people's tunes," performing actions that felt inauthentic and unfulfilling. This epiphany was a wake-up call, compelling him to reassess his career trajectory and seek projects that offered greater creative satisfaction and personal connection, ultimately leading to his deliberate three-year hiatus from the screen.