R Madhavan's weight loss and fitness secret is just one simple rule; literally anyone can follow it

Time of India

25-06-2025

'De-Aging' Without a Budget
Playing A Conflicted Man
Behind the Clean-Shaven Look
R Madhavan has always charmed audiences with his versatile acting and timeless appearance, but at the trailer launch of his upcoming film Aap Jaisa Koi, he spoke with striking honesty about his physical transformation, personal learnings, and evolving perspective on relationships. The film, which also stars Fatima Sana Shaikh, is set to premiere on Netflix on July 11, 2025.When asked about how he manages to look younger with time, Madhavan brushed aside any talk of high-end treatments or cosmetic interventions. Joking that he doesn't have the budget for de-aging, he revealed that his appearance is largely a result of a simple change in lifestyle.During training for his 2016 boxing film Saala Khadoos, Madhavan consulted various dieticians who advised him on complex diets and schedules. But none of their suggestions truly connected with him. It wasn't until he met an elderly man at an akhada (traditional wrestling training ground) that his outlook changed.The man gave him a straightforward piece of advice: eat only when hungry. That thought stuck with Madhavan. Since then, he has adopted the habit of mindful eating , ditching structured meal times and focusing on internal cues. The shift, he said, helped him lose weight and maintain his fitness without overcomplicating things.In Aap Jaisa Koi, Madhavan plays Shrirenu Tripathi, a reserved, middle-aged man leading a structured life. His character's emotional journey begins when he meets Madhu Bose, portrayed by Fatima Sana Shaikh — a confident and independent woman. Their interactions begin to shift his perspective on love, identity, and companionship.Madhavan shared that this theme of 'equal love' reflects not only in the film but also mirrors the confusion and caution people of his generation often face in real life. He admitted that he once referred to a woman as a 'PYT' (Pretty Young Thing), a term he believed to be a compliment from his school days. But later, he realized it might have come across as objectifying. It left him wondering how to apologize — and to whom — for something he never intended to offend with.He explained that many people his age are still navigating what equality in modern relationships truly means. There's a constant fear of unintentionally offending someone, even when the intent is respectful. His character in the film deals with similar internal conflicts.Madhavan's new look for the film — clean-shaven and younger — sparked a lot of positive comments online. Interestingly, he initially resisted this appearance. He recalled urging director Vivek Soni to let him keep some facial hair, worried he might not look good without it. But Soni insisted. Looking back at the response from viewers, Madhavan admitted he was thankful for the director's decision.