Happy Birthday Madhavan!

Zee Media Bureau/Ritika Handoo New Delhi: From a television actor to his big leap in cinema, R. Madhavan surely has come a long way. The actor who began his career with hit TV show `Banegi Apni Baat` in 1996 got his big break in veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam`s 2000 hit Tamil film `Alaipayuthey`. The 43-year-old actor has so far successfully managed to make his presence felt in south film industry as well get meaningful roles in Bollywood movies. Madhavan aka Maddy did small but roles which the audiences still remember in landmark films such as `Rang De Basanti` and `Guru`. Maddy is one of the gifted stars who even when in a guest appearance, manages to strike a chord with the viewer. The class actor got recognition in Hindi film industry with 2001 `Rehnaa Hai Tere Dil Mein` opposite former beauty queen Dia Mirza, which was a remake of hit Tamil film. Interestingly, Maddy played the lead in both films. His part in Rajukumar Hirani`s `Three Idiots` as Farhan Qureshi was well-appreciated by cine lovers all across and the film went out to be one of the highest grossers of 2009. the film has Aamir Khan, Sharman Joshi and Kareena Kapoor Khan in the lead besides Madhavan. Madhavan is credited for being a multi-lingual actor who has worked in a number of regional languages. The actor also hosted a couple of shows on television and is associated with humanitarian causes as well. He is actively endorses People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and was even chosen as the `cutest male vegetarian` by an online poll conducted by an NGO supported by PETA. Maddy even featured in 2011 hit rom-com `Tanu Weds Manu` opposite Kangana Ranaut. The actor has now taken a huge step forward and is reportedly filming for his first Hollywood flick. `Night of the Living Dead: Origins`, directed by Zebediah De Soto is a 3D animated horror movie starring Madhavan in a pivotal role. The film was premiered at the just concluded Cannes Film Festival.