Madhavan Slams Trend of Older Actors Romancing Young Heroines: “It’s Not Acceptable Anymore”
Veteran actor R. Madhavan, known for his thoughtful role choices, has once again voiced his disapproval of the outdated trend of older male actors romancing much younger female co-stars on screen.
While promoting his upcoming Netflix film Aap Jaisa Koi, Madhavan emphasized the growing demand for age-appropriate storytelling in Indian cinema. “The days are gone when a much older actor could convincingly play the love interest of a young heroine,” he said. “If someone is still doing it, they have to be smart enough to portray it in an age-appropriate manner. Audiences today no longer accept unrealistic portrayals.”
This isn’t the first time the 3 Idiots and Sakhi star has taken a stand. He previously admitted feeling “cringe” while playing a college student at 40 in 3 Idiots and has since steered clear of roles that don’t align with his real age.
Madhavan stressed that his decision-making isn’t based on industry trends or commercial appeal. “I don’t go by what’s trending. I choose characters that emotionally resonate with me. It’s instinctive,” he explained.
While actors like Madhavan push for more authentic storytelling, he acknowledged that many big stars still bow to commercial pressure and audience expectations, often choosing glamour over realism.
His comments arrive at a time when the industry is slowly shifting toward more grounded narratives—a move welcomed by an audience craving authenticity over formulaic entertainment.
