In a candid revelation, acclaimed actor R Madhavan has opened up about a pivotal moment during the COVID-19 pandemic when his wife Sarita literally kicked him out of their home with a straightforward directive: "Go out, do some work, earn money." This humorous yet profound anecdote emerged as Madhavan discussed his four-year career break and how it fundamentally reshaped his personal and professional perspective.
The Pandemic Push: A Wife's Tough Love
During a recent interview on the YouTube channel Unfiltered Entertainment, Madhavan recalled the 2020 lockdown period with a mix of amusement and gratitude. "My wife says you'll never be able to get out of work—you do Tamil comedy, Tamil action, OTT, Hindi action, English OTT. I am surprised you are at home," he shared, mimicking Sarita's observation. Her solution was unexpectedly direct: she asked him to leave the house and resume earning.
A Break That Brought Clarity
Madhavan explained that his voluntary four-year hiatus from acting served as a crucial reset button. Stepping away from the film industry allowed him to gain unprecedented clarity, enabling a return with renewed focus and selectivity. This period helped him prioritize projects that genuinely excited him, notably accelerating his shift towards OTT platforms where he has found substantial creative satisfaction.
Beyond the Joke: A Deeper Realization
While the "kicking out" story is delivered with humor, Madhavan emphasized that Sarita's intervention was rooted in keen observation. "One day, my wife asked me, 'What's wrong with you?' She said that you are going to work like you want to come back from it. That actually made a lot of sense," he recounted. This honest feedback prompted him to reassess his attitude toward work and productivity during the stagnant pandemic months.
Financial Philosophy and Marital Dynamics
Madhavan has frequently spoken about how his wife keeps him grounded, especially regarding finances. In a 2023 interview with Just Too Filmy, he revealed Sarita's view of his spending habits: "My wife thinks I am generous to a fault. And I am a fool. And I don't know how to handle my money," he said with a laugh. She believes he gives away money too easily, while Madhavan maintains he is particular—a point she strongly disputes.
Nevertheless, the actor clarified his balanced approach: "I am not very careful about my spending but I always live within my means... I don't have worldly possessions; that is the reflection of my stardom. But I do have the liberty that this stardom offers me and I enjoy it."
A Love Story That Began in Kolhapur
Madhavan and Sarita's relationship dates back to the early 1990s when she attended his public speaking and personality development classes in Kolhapur. As he recalled in a 2011 Times of India interview, their romance began with a 'thank you' dinner after she credited his coaching for helping her secure a job with an airline. After dating for several years, the couple married on June 6, 1999, before Madhavan achieved nationwide fame.
Today, they are proud parents to Vedaant Madhavan, an accomplished international swimmer. This enduring partnership continues to be a cornerstone of Madhavan's life, blending humor, honesty, and unwavering support through career highs and lows.
