After making waves with his intense villainous turn in Kesari: Chapter 2, R Madhavan is ready to shift gears in Aap Jaisa Koi, an upcoming OTT release that explores love, imperfection, and everyday compromises. The trailer, which dropped yesterday, stars Madhavan opposite Fatima Sana Shaikh and has already generated a buzz—not just for its heartfelt storytelling, but for Madhavan’s strikingly youthful appearance.
The film, directed by Sameer Ali Khan, follows a seemingly mismatched couple navigating the terrain of modern relationships with honesty and warmth. While audiences were charmed by the trailer’s slice-of-life tone, many were quick to point out how remarkably young Madhavan looks on screen—so much so that de-ageing rumours began doing the rounds.
But the actor is having none of it.
“They’ve all been accusing me of de-ageing, but I don’t think I have the budget for that. It hasn’t happened,” Madhavan clarified at the trailer launch, quashing speculation with a smile. So what’s his secret? Nothing high-tech, just a return to basics: mindful eating and regular exercise.
Madhavan traced the origins of his fitness journey back to 2016, when he began preparing for Saala Khadoos. Despite seeking out multiple nutritionists and trainers, he couldn’t find a plan that felt authentic. “I consulted numerous dieticians and several people who advised me on how to lose weight and get fit — what diet to follow, what time to eat, and so on… but I couldn’t find anyone I truly resonated with,” he recalled.
Eventually, he turned to a simple yet effective solution: eating less than he used to. “That’s what worked for me,” he said, adding that the old-school approach brought lasting results.
His playful swipe at the de-ageing speculation also comes at a time when certain Bollywood superstars are being closely linked to the trend. Aamir Khan has openly spoken about the merits of VFX and age-manipulation in cinema. “I’m 60, but in today’s day and age, we have the advantage of VFX,” Aamir had told The Indian Express, referencing his own use of the technology in films where actors portray characters much younger than themselves. “Age is no longer a barrier,” he had added.
While Salman Khan has never addressed the speculation around his possible use of digital de-ageing, internet chatter often circles around his youthful avatars in recent releases.
Whether intended as a subtle dig or a light-hearted comment, Madhavan’s declaration has added a fresh layer of intrigue to Aap Jaisa Koi, which is scheduled to premiere on July 11. As the film readies for release, fans are eager to see not just a love story that mirrors real life, but also a Madhavan who is seemingly defying time—with nothing more than discipline and heart.