R Madhavan On Stepping Away From Films For 4 Years: 'I Toured India, Wanted To Know Price Of Potatoes And Pulses'

Actor R Madhavan has opened up about a significant phase in his life when he took a four-year hiatus from acting to travel across India.

Actor R Madhavan has opened up about a significant phase in his life when he took a four-year hiatus from acting to travel across India. In a candid conversation with India TV, the actor shared his desire to step away from the limelight and gain a deeper understanding of the country and its people. 

Madhavan on taking a break and travelling across Indian

 "I wanted to know the price of potatoes and pulses to know what was happening," Madhavan told India TV, explaining his quest for a more authentic connection with the world around him. 

Madhavan, who has always sought to diversify his roles, admitted that at one point, the constant hustle of work took a toll on him. "I have always tried to play different characters. However, I consider myself lucky that I got all this quite easily. But there was a time when I got frustrated with working continuously. My wife asked me what I was doing. After this, I took a break from acting and roamed the streets of Kerala," he said. 

The actor’s travels weren’t just about relaxation; they were an attempt to understand the mindset and psychology of people from various walks of life. "I toured other parts of India and tried to understand the mentality and psychology of all kinds of people. This also benefited me a lot," Madhavan added. He even embraced a new look during this period, growing a beard as part of his transformation. "I wanted to know where the country was going," he said.

On the work front

Madhavan's journey in the entertainment industry began with television roles in serials like 'Banegi Apni Baat', 'Sea Hawks', 'Ghar Jamai', and 'Saaya'. His breakthrough in films came in 2000 with Mani Ratnam’s 'Alai Payuthey', followed by a string of successful movies like 'Minnale', 'Dumm Dumm Dumm', and 'Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein', all of which were released in 2001. His most recent film, 'Hisaab Barabar' (2024), marked his return to the big screen. 

Looking ahead, Madhavan has some exciting projects lined up. He will be starring alongside Akshay Kumar and Ananya Panday in 'Kesari 2', where he portrays the character of Neville McKinley. The film, which explores the untold story of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, is slated for release on April 18. 

Additionally, Madhavan will appear in the Tamil film 'Test', which also stars Nayanthara and Siddharth. Directed by S. Sashikanth, the film will be available on OTT platforms starting April 4.