Updated on: 01 June, 2024 01:14 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar

R. Madhavan is a force to be reckoned with in Indian cinema. He celebrates his birthday on June 1st. Throughout his career, hes effortlessly slipped into diverse roles across Tamil, Hindi, and other regional languages. Heres a glimpse into some of his most memorable characters:

Vanraj Kashyap / Shaitaan (Shaitaan)
Madhavan plays a complex and morally ambiguous character in the 2024 film "Shaitaan." This is the first time that Madhavan played a negative role on screen. The film also stars Ajay Devgn and Jyothika in pivotal roles.
Farhan Qureshi (3 Idiots)
Madhavan plays an easygoing medical student in the record-breaking "3 Idiots" (2009). Farhan's charm and rebellious spirit resonated with audiences worldwide, showcasing Madhavan's ability to play relatable and likable characters.
Karthik Varadarajan (Alai Payuthey)
A headstrong Brahmin man in the Tamil classic "Alai Payuthey" (2000). This role displayed Madhavan's dramatic chops as he grapples with societal expectations and clashes with his wife in a modern love story.
Manoj Sharma (Tanu Weds Manu)
The uptight NRI doctor in the romantic comedy "Tanu Weds Manu" (2011) and its sequel. Madhavan brings humor and vulnerability to Manoj, a character struggling to adjust to life back in India and his quirky wife, Tanu.
Rati Pandey (The Railway Men)
He plays a dedicated railway officer in the 2023 miniseries "The Railway Men." Madhavan's portrayal of leadership and resilience in this drama is captivating. The series’ plot revolves around the 1984’s Bhopal Gas Tragedy and how a handful of railway officers saved the lives of thousands of people.
Rajesh Shivakumar (Minnale)
The charming and playful photographer in the Tamil film "Minnale" (2001). This role cemented Madhavan's status as a romantic hero, showcasing his boyish charm and ability to win hearts on screen.