Portal:Hindi cinema/Selected biography/7

R. Madhavan (born 1 June 1970) is an Indian actor, writer, film producer and television host. He has been described as one of the few actors in India who is able to achieve pan-Indian appeal, appearing in films from eight different languages. Madhavan began his acting career with television guest appearances, including a role on the Zee TV prime-time soap opera Banegi Apni Baat in 1996. After appearing in commercials and in small roles, he later gained recognition in Mani Ratnam's romantic film Alaipayuthey (2000). In the mid 2000s Madhavan also pursued a career in Hindi films, writing the dialogue for the comedy Ramji Londonwaley, before appearing in supporting roles in two big-budget productions, Rang De Basanti and Guru. He also played a critically acclaimed role in the Rajkumar Hirani's 2009 blockbuster, 3 Idiots. Madhavan has been a brand ambassador appearing in many commercials, whilst he has also played television hosts to Hindi television programmes, most notably Deal Ya No Deal in 2006. He is married to Sarita Birje and has a young son. He has supported PETA in India and has appeared in events organised for the group's promotion. Madhavan owns a production company named Leukos Films, which produced his 2007 film Evano Oruvan.