Ranganathan Madhavan, popularly known as R. Madhavan or "Maddy," is a celebrated Indian actor, writer, director, and producer who has made a significant mark in both Tamil and Hindi cinema. Born on June 1, 1970, in Jamshedpur (then Bihar, now Jharkhand), Madhavan initially aspired to join the Indian Army and was an accomplished NCC cadet.

However, destiny led him to the world of entertainment. Madhavan began his career in the late 1990s with television and modeling before making his Tamil film debut with Mani Ratnam’s romantic hit Alaipayuthey (2000). He quickly became a heartthrob with roles in Minnale (2001) and Dumm Dumm Dumm (2001).

His Hindi breakthrough came with Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein (2001), which gained cult status over time. Throughout the 2000s, Madhavan balanced commercial and critically acclaimed roles in films like Run, Anbe Sivam, Rang De Basanti, and 3 Idiots. After a brief hiatus, he returned with powerful performances in Tanu Weds Manu Returns (2015), Irudhi Suttru (2016), and Vikram Vedha (2017). In 2022, he made his directorial debut with Rocketry: The Nambi Effect, portraying scientist Nambi Narayanan.

The film won the National Award for Best Feature Film, cementing his status as a multifaceted talent. Beyond cinema, Madhavan is known for his eloquence, philanthropy, and advocacy for education and environmental causes. As of 2023, he serves as the President of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune.0