R Madhavan recently turned 55 and makes it look dashing as ever. Known across the country not just for his powerful performances in films but also for his charming, youthful looks, the Tamil star continues to win hearts. Whether it’s his striking salt-and-pepper hair or his ever-sparkling smile, Madhavan seems to have cracked the code to ageing gracefully.Sunshine over syringesWhile many in the film world swear by costly creams or cosmetic fixes, Madhavan prefers soaking up the morning sun. In a chat with GQ, he said, “I play golf in the early morning sun. I get tanned, yes, but it helps with skin tightening and keeping it wrinkle-free; the sun suits me.”He is quite clear about avoiding artificial treatments. “And I haven’t gotten any fillers or enhancements done; maybe the occasional facial for a role. It’s just coconut oil, coconut water, sunshine and vegetarian food doing the heavy lifting.”‘Cosmetic do-overs have created yet another facade’The actor also pointed out how the film and fashion world often hides behind filters and tweaks. He said, “Cosmetic do-overs have created yet another facade in our industry. Even on social media, everyone’s posting photos with filters. It is their prerogative, but then they are not really being honest about who they are. Among all the other things that are ambiguous about my public persona, I don’t want my physical appearance to be one of them.”Fresh food only, just like mum madeMadhavan also believes what you eat makes a huge difference. The actor sticks to freshly cooked, homely meals, a habit that goes back to his childhood. Even when shooting, he makes sure his meals stay simple. “Even when I’m on set, I take my chef along to cook simple meals like dal, sabzi and chawal—the kind my mom made.”He also added, “I also don’t get all the fuss around rice. My grandparents lived till the ripe old age of 92 and 93, and they ate rice three times a day.”‘This ayurvedic practice has served me well’Fans love Madhavan’s salt-and-pepper hair, which he wears with pride. He doesn’t fight ageing but embraces it. “When I started out in Tamil cinema [with Alaipayuthey in 2000]everyone pointed out that I was the first Tamil actor without a moustache. Now, I’ve got a face full of hair,” he said.His haircare is also rooted in old family ways. He adds, “My routine’s simple, since childhood, I’ve taken an oil bath every Sunday—with nalla ennai [sesame oil]; you apply it all over your body, especially your head. On other days, it’s coconut oil, applied in a specific manner. This ayurvedic practice has served me well for over 20 years.”
