In a recent podcast appearance, actor R Madhavan opened up about a deeply personal conversation he had with his father, reminiscent of a scene from the hit movie “3 Idiots”. The actor revealed how he faced disappointment from his father after failing in the 8th standard. That time he had scored only 39% in mathematics. Despite his parents’ hopes for him to settle down and work at Tata Steel, Madhavan was not the stellar student.
Recalling a poignant moment, Madhavan described walking along a railway track with his father. This was after yet another rejection from an engineering college. Tears welled up in his father’s eyes as he asked, “What have I done wrong with you?”
It was a rare display of emotion from his father, etched deeply into Madhavan’s memory.
Also Read: Madhavan recalls Aamir Khan’s drunken scene strategy in ‘3 Idiots’
In response, Madhavan expressed his uncertainty about his future career path. But he made one thing clear: he did not want to follow in his father’s footsteps. He candidly admitted, “If I sit at a desk for 30 years, I’ll end up killing somebody. I’m not cut out for that.” It was a moment of defiance against the traditional expectations placed upon him. And, the reminiscent of the character he portrayed in “3 Idiots”.
For those who have seen the film, this conversation echoes a similar scene where Madhavan’s character dreams of becoming a wildlife photographer against his father’s wishes for him to pursue engineering.
Madhavan’s revelation offers a glimpse into the struggles many individuals face when navigating the clash between familial expectations and personal aspirations. It’s a reminder that the path to self-discovery is often full of challenges and difficult conversations.
As R Madhavan continues to inspire audiences with his performances on screen, his real-life story serves as a testament to the importance of staying true to oneself, even in the face of familial pressure.