Madhavan says wife Sarita wants him to act his age; reveals how she handles his massive female fan following: ‘Her knees tremble when she meets SRK, so…’

Madhavan recently opened up about how his wife, Sarita Birje, has handled the overwhelming female admiration he has received over the years.

By: Entertainment Desk

Kochi | February 18, 2025 12:27 PM IST

3 min read

Madhavan recently opened up about how his wife, Sarita Birje, has handled the overwhelming female admiration he has received over the years.

Actor R Madhavan with his wife Sarita Birje. (Credit: Instagram/@msaru15)

R Madhavan is one of the very few film actors who has made a lasting impact across every industry he’s been a part of. Already a TV star when he made his movie debut, he first entered the world of cinema with an uncredited appearance in the Hindi thriller Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin (1996). However, it was his lead role in director Mani Ratnam’s Alai Payuthey (2000) that brought him widespread fame and solidified his status as a national heartthrob. His subsequent films further elevated his profile, earning him a substantial female fan base.

Recently, the actor opened up about how his wife, Sarita Birje, has handled the overwhelming female admiration he has received over the years. When asked if she had ever felt uneasy about it, he told Filmfare Middle East, “She must have. I became a proper film actor after getting married. By the time Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein (which marked my Bollywood debut) released, I was already married. So, she grew up seeing me receive this adulation.”

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“Also, she is a huge fan of Shah Rukh Khan. Her knees start knocking and she melts when she sees him. So, she understands what girls go through when they see an idol of theirs. Hence, she’s been very accommodating. Sometimes, I can feel her thinking, ‘Isn’t this becoming a bit too much?’ Now, she has also begun telling me to stop posting all these photos on Instagram and to start behaving my age. But I don’t think she’s jealous. I think she’s right too and wants me to behave in an age-appropriate manner,” he added. Reflecting on the challenges faced by the wives of male actors, he remarked, “Every actor should love and respect their spouse. I am very grateful to Sarita.”

When asked what qualities he would like his son, freestyle swimmer Vedaant, to imbibe from him, Madhavan listed three values his parents instilled in him. “Never hurt anyone intentionally, never cheat anyone for money — even if it’s the smallest fraction you owe somebody, make sure you settle it — and treat every human being the same, irrespective of their stature. I found these to be the biggest mantras for success. I might not be the most exciting person in the room, but at least I’m not somebody who spreads negativity,” he added.

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