R. Madhavan acts professionally.
Ranganathan Madhavan ( born 1 June 1970 ) is an Indian actor , writer and film producer . 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 the Tamil film industry through Mani Ratnam 's successful romance film Alaipayuthey ( 2000 ) .