'Attracted to attractive girls, but…': Madhavan makes honest confession about marriage with Sarita and how one relationship advice by Mani Ratnam stayed with himSynopsisActor R. Madhavan once shared insights into his strong marriage with Sarita Birje. He credits his upbringing and transparency for their bond. Madhavan also recalled advice from Mani Ratnam about not testing a healthy relationship. He openly acknowledged his marriage, even during peak popularity. Read on to know more about the relationship advice. Madhavan once shared a relationship advice that kept his marriage strong with Sarita for years (Credit: Instagram)R. Madhavan and his wife, Sarita Birje, share a love story that began long before the actor became a household name. The couple first met when Sarita attended one of Madhavan's personality development classes in Kolhapur. After dating for eight years, they tied the knot in 1999 and have since built one of the entertainment industry's most enduring marriages. Recently, as the actor celebrated his 27th wedding anniversary with Sarita, an old interview resurfaced in which he spoke candidly about loyalty, relationships and the values that have helped keep their bond strong over the years.What kept R Madhavan and Sarita's marriage strong?In a conversation with ETimes, Madhavan opened up about his marriage and revealed that staying faithful to his wife was never something he struggled with, despite spending decades in the film industry and working alongside some of cinema's most admired actresses.The actor explained that loyalty comes naturally to him because of the values he grew up with. According to Madhavan, faithfulness has always been deeply rooted in his family. He recalled how members of his family were known for their unwavering commitment and dedication, saying he would have to make a conscious effort to behave otherwise.He said, "Also, I'm a darpok (coward) Madrasi middle-class man. While I am extremely attracted to attractive girls, at the end of the day, I balance off going back home and cuddling my wife as opposed to giving an excuse on why I am not there."You Might Also Like:Transparency has always been a part of their relationshipOne of the factors that has strengthened his marriage, according to Madhavan, is openness. The actor revealed that Sarita has always had complete access to his life, including his phone and financial accounts. He explained that transparency was never imposed in their relationship but developed naturally over the years.The actor has often credited Sarita for being his biggest source of support. In earlier interviews, he described her as someone who keeps him grounded while managing responsibilities at home and ensuring stability in their family life. Madhavan has repeatedly expressed gratitude for having a partner who understands him completely and supports his career without seeking recognition for her efforts.The advice from Mani Ratnam that stayed with himDuring the same interview, Madhavan recalled an important piece of relationship advice he received from acclaimed filmmaker Mani Ratnam, who played a crucial role in launching his acting career with Alai Payuthey in 2000.According to Madhavan, "Mani Ratnam gave me an advice on how not to have to test relationships. He said, ‘When there is something going good with a relationship, don’t keep testing it to see how much she loves you. Just let it be.’ Sometimes testing is the thing that spoils everything."You Might Also Like:The actor said those words stayed with him throughout his life, especially after he became a major star in Tamil industry and gained a huge female fan following.Madhavan revealed that when his popularity soared, several well-wishers suggested that he avoid publicly talking about his marriage because it could affect his image among fans. However, he chose a different path. The actor openly acknowledged that he was married and never tried to hide that fact.He also shared that he would often read fan mail addressed to him together with Sarita and frequently took her along on international shoots. Madhavan clarified that these decisions were not meant to prove his loyalty. Rather, they were practical choices that helped him avoid situations that could unnecessarily test his relationship.Over the years, that approach became a habit, and one that worked well for the couple. Today, nearly three decades after they got married, Madhavan and Sarita continue to be regarded as one of the most admired couples in the industry.On the professional front, Madhavan was recently seen in Dhurandhar 2. He is now preparing for the release of GDN (The Edison of India), which is scheduled to arrive in theatres on July 17, 2026. The film features the actor in a dramatically transformed look as legendary inventor and industrialist GD Naidu. Stay tuned!Read More News on...morelessRead More News on...moreless