From TV to films, his career has been on a consistent upswing. A trained electronics engineer with passions like aero modeling and skiing, communicating and public speaking, Indian actor, writer, film producer and TV host R Madhavan is making the best of both worlds - life and his profession. Living life on ones own terms and still doing what is best for everyone around him, he share’s his tips with Lata Khubchandani, on living life optimally.
Q. What did you want to do, when in school?
A. I was aware of what I didn’t want to do – a 9 to 5 job! I didn’t want to stick to a routine.
Q. Why did you take up engineering then?
A. To satisfy my family’s protocol.
Q. How did education mould your sensibilities?
A. I had the good fortune of finishing my education across the world - Bihar, Kolhapur Canada, USA. I learnt how to fit into different groups. The lifestyle in Canada during high school was westernised. Kolhapur (engineering) was totally different. But I fitted in and achieved more here than in Canada. I took up public speaking, won a lot of competitions. A friend and I would decide, which competitions to enter depending on the prize money!
Q. Were your parents upset?
A. I got the Electronics Engineering Degree with a lot of hard work but when I didn’t take it up as a career, they were disappointed but not heartbroken. They knew I was a survivor. I was earning Rs. 60,000 to 70,000 a month teaching public speaking and communication skills in college. Plus I had been abroad so many times on so many scholarships including as an NCC cadet that they knew I’d be okay.
Q. Any memorable incidents while growing up?
A. On Republic Day, as an NCC cadet I was running a 40 km race. So, my commanding officer Colonel Sarkar, also my favourite teacher, stationed a truck 40 km away. When we reached, he’d move it further and further away till we were exhausted, cheesed off too! Finally we reached and Colonel Sarkar said, “Now you know that exhaustion can’t kill you. Only a bullet can.” Some lessons in life can only be learnt by going through them.
Q. Tell us about the dark side of acting if there is one…
A. When the slide down happens, the grace which is required to accept this, very few people have it…to know how to quit gracefully when you are not wanted.
Q. Any advice to youngsters about this profession [acting]?
A. I would certainly advice people to take it up. But if think it’s about money and glamour…no! You have to have enough life experience to be a good actor and enough God-given charm so that the public accepts you. If you can join the profession without the fear of not making it you might just make it.
Q. How do you cope with failure?
A. Exactly the same way that I cope with my successes. It affects me for that one day. It’s exactly like that with my films – whether it’s a hit or a flop I am euphoric or disappointed for that one day. Then I would completely move on.