PERSONAL INFORMATION
Full Name: Madhavan Balaji Ranganathan
Nickname: Maddy
Profession(s): Actor, Writer, Television Host, Producer
Date of Birth: 1 June 1970 (Monday)
Age (as of 2024): 54 Years
Birthplace: Jamshedpur, Bihar (now in Jharkhand), India
Zodiac sign: Gemini
Nationality: Indian
Hometown: Tamil Nadu, India
Religion: Hinduism
Caste: Tamil Brahmin
Food Habit: Vegetarian
Marriage Date: Year, 1999
Age: 54 Years
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EDUCATION
School: D.B.M.S. English School, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand
College/University: • Rajaram College, Kolhapur, Maharashtra • Kishinchand Chellaram College, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Educational Qualification(s): • B.Sc. in Electronics • Post-Graduation in Public Speaking
PHYSICAL STATISTICS
Height: in centimeters – 179 cm in meters – 1.79 m in feet inches – 5’ 10½”
Eye Colour: Light Brown
Hair Colour: Black
FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS
Marital Status: Married
Affairs/Girlfriends: Sarita Birje (Air Hostess)
Wife/Spouse: Sarita Birje
Children: Son – Vedaant (swimmer) Daughter – None
Parents: Father – Ranganathan Seshadri (Former executive at Tata Steel) Mother – Saroja (Former Manager at the Bank of India)
Siblings: Brother – None Sister – Devika (Software Engineer)
Wife: Sarita Birje
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Debut: Kannada Film: Shanti Shanti Shanti (1998) Hollywood Film: Inferno (1997) Bollywood Film: Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein (2001) Tamil Film: Alaipayuthey (2000)
Awards, Honours, Achievements: • Filmfare Award for Best South Male Debut for the film Alaipayuthey • Filmfare Award for Best Tamil Supporting Actor for the film Aaytha Ezhuthu • Filmfare Award for Best Tamil Actor for the film Irudhi Suttru • Filmfare Award for Critics’ Best Tamil Actor for Vikram Vedha • SIIMA Critics Award for Best Actor (Tamil) for the film ‘Rocketry: The Nambi Effect’ at the Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE (September 2023)
MONEY FACTOR
Car Collection: BMW 7-Series
OTHER INFORMATION
Hobbies: Playing Golf, Biking
Food: Thayir Saadham, Pani Puri
Actors: Amitabh Bachchan , Aamir Khan , Kamal Haasan
Actress: Deepika Padukone
Films: Taare Zameen Par, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Baahubali
Director: Mani Ratnam
Musician: A. R. Rahman
Colours: White, Maroon
Bike Collection: • Yamaha V-max • BMW K1600 GTL • Brixton Cromwell 1200 (purchased in February 2025 for Rs. 7,84,000) (first Indian to own the bike)
Expensive Things/Valuables: A 40-foot Yacht worth around $2 million
INTERESTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION
R. Madhavan, born into a Tamil family, spent his formative years in the culturally rich state of Bihar, where his father worked as a management executive for Tata Steel. This unique upbringing instilled in him a sense of discipline and determination, shaping his childhood dreams of joining the defense services. As he navigated his academic journey, Madhavan found himself drawn to the National Cadet Corps (NCC), where he not only excelled in military training but also embraced various extracurricular activities. His dedication paid off in 1988 when he was honored with a scholarship to represent India as a cultural ambassador in Stettler, Alberta, Canada. This experience further fueled his ambition, and by the age of 22, he had gained recognition as one of the best NCC cadets in Maharashtra, culminating in an opportunity to train with the British Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force—though unfortunate age restrictions led to his exclusion from the final program.
After completing his education, Madhavan ventured into the professional world, teaching communication and public speaking at workshops in Mumbai. It was during this period that he crossed paths with Sarita Birje, an air hostess who would later become his wife in 1999. His career took a significant turn in 1996 when he began modeling, starting with a commercial for a talcum powder brand that earned him a modest fee of 100 INR. Although Madhavan made his Bollywood debut with the film “Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein” in 2001, his first role was actually in the film “Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin” (1996) where he portrayed a singer in a club. His early career also included minor roles in television serials like “Yule Love Stories” and “Ghar Jamai,” but it was his performances in popular Tamil films such as “Alaipayuthey,” “Minnale,” and “Run” that solidified his status as a versatile actor.
Madhavan’s impressive filmography is a testament to his talent, featuring notable roles in acclaimed Bollywood films like “Rang De Basanti,” “Guru,” and the iconic “3 Idiots.” In 2011, he captivated audiences with his lead performance in the romantic-comedy “Tanu Weds Manu” alongside Kangana Ranaut. His contributions to television are equally noteworthy; he served as an anchor for the popular show “Tol Mol Ke Bol.” Beyond his cinematic achievements, Madhavan’s personal life flourished as well. His son, Vedaant, emerged as a national-level swimmer, earning multiple medals at prestigious competitions, including the Junior Nationals Swim Meet and the Asian Age Games. Vedaant’s accomplishments reflect Madhavan’s support and encouragement, fostering a legacy of excellence.
Not just an accomplished actor, Madhavan is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He has actively supported the Chennai-based charity The Banyan, participated in various charity events, and even showcased his culinary skills by cooking dosas to raise funds for a good cause. His commitment to social responsibilities extends to being appointed as the goodwill ambassador of Lepra India in 2016, advocating for action against leprosy. In September 2023, Madhavan took on a new role as the President of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, where he also chairs its governing council. His journey is marked by numerous accolades, including being one of the top three actors with the most entries in the list of top-rated Indian films alongside legends like Aamir Khan and Kamal Haasan.
In a surprising turn during the Covid-19 pandemic, Madhavan revealed that he obtained a captain’s license and purchased a yacht, now docked in Dubai. He described this yacht as a gateway to nirvana, where he embarks on solitary sailing trips, allowing him the serenity to write and reflect. This personal pursuit adds another layer to his multifaceted life, illustrating his ability to balance his professional commitments with personal passions. As he continues to evolve both personally and professionally, R. Madhavan remains a beloved figure in Indian cinema, celebrated not only for his artistic contributions but also for his dedication to philanthropy and community engagement.
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Note: All biographical information compiled from publicly available sources.