'Careful with choice of heroines...': Madhavan on age-appropriate casting
What's the story
R Madhavan, who recently appeared in Aap Jaisa Koi, has opened up about his insecurities regarding age and how it affects his choice of co-stars. The film explores the theme of age-related insecurities faced by men, a topic that resonates with the 55-year-old actor. He confessed to experiencing similar feelings when he noticed that his children's friends began calling him "uncle."
Career impact
On age-appropriate casting
Madhavan told Hindustan Times, "When you are doing movies, you realize that you have to be careful in the choice of heroines because even though they still want to work with you, it looks like the actor is having fun on the pretext of the movie." "People feel ye picture ke bahaane aish kar raha hai. If that is the overwhelming feeling coming out of a movie, then wo character ke liye respect nahi rehta hai."
Age appropriateness
His views on physical limitations with age
Madhavan further emphasized the importance of age-appropriate casting. He said, "There is also the realization that my body strength is not such that I can do things like a 22-year-old." "It's essential for me to realize that age appropriateness and the kind of people I'm working with are aligned so that it doesn't look sleazy."
Relationship dynamics
On equal relationships
In Aap Jaisa Koi, Madhavan's character also explores the need for equality in a relationship. When asked about his views on this, he said, "The relationship that my mother and father shared, they were also equally and deeply in love with each other and that I think I share with my wife too."
Changing dynamics
How the definition of equality is changing
Madhavan elaborated on how the concept of equality in relationships is evolving. He said, "My parents were both working, but there was a hierarchy. In some departments, somebody had a bigger say, and in other departments, the other one had that." "That definition of equality is constantly changing over the period of time, and I think men are trying their best to catch up with it and understand because they have to break their conditioning."
Real-life example
Example of changing societal norms
Madhavan gave an example of how societal norms are changing. He said, "Sometimes opening a door or holding the door for a lady is considered offensive right now by some people." "In a patriarchal society, a man allowing his wife to work is considered to be a generous thing for the husband to do. He doesn't realize 'allowing' is the wrong word."
Shift in perspective
Language matters, says Madhavan
Madhavan further explained how language plays a crucial role in defining equality. He said, "Him saying 'I'm proud of the fact that my wife is working' in the same situation makes him look like a much more accommodating man." "So he has to learn to say 'I'm really proud of the fact that my wife is working' instead of saying 'I'm so happy I am allowing her to work.'" Aap Jaisa Koi is streaming on Netflix.