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Last Updated: April 02, 2025, 22:22 IST
R Madhavan Stirs Debate by Justifying His Character’s Actions in Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein
R Madhavan, a prominent figure in Bollywood, achieved widespread recognition with his role in the film Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein (RHTDM), which has remained a subject of discussion for over twenty years.
Despite its lack of commercial success upon release, the 2001 romantic drama has since developed a cult following, particularly for its memorable music and performances by Madhavan, Dia Mirza, and Saif Ali Khan. However, the film has also faced criticism for its portrayal of themes relating to the normalization of stalking.
Recently, Madhavan sparked renewed debate by defending his character, Madhav “Maddy” Shastri, arguing that the context of the era justified his actions, which many now interpret as stalking. In an interview with IndiaTV, he suggested that men in the pre-digital age had limited avenues for approaching women, implying that this created a different set of social norms.
He said, “When there weren’t any mobile phones or social media, how was a man supposed to contact a girl? What was considered appropriate during that time? If a man approached a girl knowing she was there, could that not be seen as a reasonable attempt at connection? One might argue that even my father could be accused of stalking in today’s terms.”
Madhavan further examined the difficulties men face today in navigating social interactions, questioning, “In our village, we held festivals each month, providing opportunities for socializing. In contrast, what are the avenues for meeting someone in an urban environment today? Usually, bars are not where people seek meaningful relationships.” He noted that for many from lower-middle-class backgrounds, community celebrations like Ganesh Chaturthi and Holi often served as the sole occasions to meet potential partners.
The actor also highlighted a shift in contemporary dating culture, expressing concern about how fear of being perceived as inappropriate has altered behavior. “In the past, we frequented nightclubs, where a small fraction displayed inappropriate conduct, while a few had the confidence to engage ladies decently. Now, the numbers have shifted dramatically, with many men, about 90 percent, hesitating to make a move at all due to fear of judgment,” he reflected.
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