"There Are Only A Few Chances...": R Madhavan on Returning to Romance in Netflix’s Aap Jaisa Koi

Mumbai: For an entire generation, R Madhavan will always be the man who made us believe in the power of love. From the unforgettable Madhav “Maddy” Shastri in Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, Karthik in Alaipayuthey, to the emotionally layered Manu in Tanu Weds Manu, and countless others. But in Aap Jaisa Koi , his return to the romantic genre is not about rekindling youthful fantasy; rather, it’s about embracing love as it evolves with age, experience, and emotional grace.

In the Netflix film, Madhavan plays Shrirenu Tripathi, a 42-year-old Sanskrit teacher from Jamshedpur who finds himself opening up in unexpected ways after meeting Madhu Bose, a confident and self-assured French teacher in her 30s, played by Fatima Sana Shaikh. The film, directed by Vivek Soni (Meenakshi Sundareshwar), trades grand gestures for quiet moments of connection, offering a refreshing take on what love can look like in your 40s; awkward and restrained, but deeply felt and mature.

“I didn’t choose this to go back to romance. I chose it because it was an interesting story, age appropriate, and topical,” Madhavan shares . “There are only a few chances left to star in a love story – and fewer that feel this honest.”

Working with Fatima, he says, was both a joy and a responsibility. “She’s a dynamic, younger actor – and I had to make sure the pairing looked palatable. But she’s also incredibly charming, and I have a lot of affection and respect for her. It was honestly too short a shoot!” Fatima, for her part, calls Madhavan “emotionally intelligent and sharp,” saying, “I learned something from him every day on set.”

In Aap Jaisa Koi, Shrirenu is forced to confront his inherent biases and confront his inadequacies. The film’s central idea of barbaric wala pyaar (equal love) resonated deeply with him: “A story like this accelerates how we redefine love and relationships in today’s world. Without it, that messaging takes longer to reach the audience.”

With heartfelt storytelling and performances that linger, Madhavan’s return to romance is not just nostalgic – it’s necessary.

Watch Aap Jaisa Koi, streaming now only on Netflix.