Released in 2001, Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein (RHTDM) is the film featuring R Madhavan, Dia Mirza, and Saif Ali Khan, remembered for its romantic love story and tragic end. Though it didn’t go well at the box office, it has later gained a great cult following among the youth. The movie tells the story of Maddy (R Madhavan), who falls in love with Reena (Dia Mirza) and goes to extreme lies and stalking to win her love.
R Madhavan on the Stalking Controversy
During a recent interview, R Madhavan talked about the controversy surrounding the film, especially with regards to the stalking element that has been condemned by some viewers and critics as problematic. “I don’t think it’s fair,” the actor said. “It is an over-reaction.”. He said, “Main inn sab baaton se bilkul sehmati nahi rakhta. Ye green flag, blue flag ye sab cheezein nikkamme logon ka nikkamma kaam hai.” (I completely disagree with all these discussions. These green flag, blue flag terms are just the work of useless people.)
R Madhavan further added to this importance, where, he feels that a gentlemanly attitude is very important in a relationship. He adds that he was taught from a very young age how to approach women and deal with them as a respectable individual, a trait deeply rooted in the Indian culture. He pointed out that being a “badmaash” was never acceptable, and the way he was brought up was given the magnitude of appropriate behavioral patterns against women.
A Critique of Western Perspectives on Romance
Madhavan further elaborated on his stance by questioning those who criticized the film using a Western perspective, stating, “Mera maanna hai ki ek gentleman hona zaroori hai. Bachpan se hume sikhaya gaya hai ki ladies se kaise baat ki jaaye, kaise unhe approach kiya jaaye, aur ye hamesha hamari sanskriti ka ek hissa raha hai. Badmaash toh hote hi hain.” He pointed out that in Mumbai, back in the day, the only way to approach someone you loved was through such gestures, even if misunderstood by some.
R Madhavan’s Recent Film: Hisaab Barabar
R Madhavan’s latest film, Hisaab Barabar, was released on Zee5 on January 24, 2025. Neil Nitin Mukesh and Kirti Kulhari also appear in it. This is another feather in the hat of the versatile actor.
While Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein is a film that one would remember for its romantic drama, the approach of the film to love and relationships, especially the stalking part, has become a controversy in today’s more socially aware climate. However, R Madhavan’s response points out his belief in the cultural nuances of romance and his rejection of the critiques based on modern perspectives that may not have applied to the context of the film’s release.