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R. Madhavan defends stalking in Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein: 'No other way to approach women back then'

R. Madhavan defends his character’s actions in Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, claiming that stalking was the only way to approach women back then. He criticizes the use of Western standards to judge it.

R. Madhavan defends stalking in Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein: 'No other way to approach women back then'
R Madhavan in a still from Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein

Last Updated: 01.30 PM, Feb 02, 2025

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Though the movie bombed at the box office upon its initial release, the R. Madhavan and Dia Mirza vehicle Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein has now gained a devoted fan base. Over the course of the first several years, fans raved about the characters, but as time went on, they began to notice the film's flaws. The protagonist of the film gets what he deserves after lying to and stalking the woman he has feelings for. Now that Madhavan has brought this up, he claims that stalking was the only way to contact women in his day.

R. Madhavan criticizes "western yardstick" for evaluating Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein

In an interview with Mashable India, the actor stated his disagreement with the assessment. There was an unfair "Western yardstick" being used to evaluate the film, he claimed. All of these things, he strongly disagrees with. Words like "green flag" and "blue flag" have been coined by meaningless individuals. As far as Madhavan is concerned, being a gentleman is paramount. Even from a young age, the culture has always ingrained the importance of knowing how to speak to and approach women. Bad individuals will always be around, but Western standards do not apply to them.

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Following a woman about was the only way to approach her back in the day, he continued, because there was no other method. Those who find it troubling, Madhavan implores them. Meeting a girl in Mumbai used to mean falling head over heels for her and treating her with the utmost respect. Now the question is, "How would we actually meet?"

R. Madhavan questions social norms around meeting women in the West

Then Madhavan questioned why it is socially acceptable in the West for individuals to meet at bars. He went on to say that back then, there was no means to get in touch with a woman you fell in love with; instead, you had to find her, follow her to her home, and then call her. One can't get in touch with her until they follow her and find out where she lives. He asked, "Who could pull that off?"

Madhavan went on to say that the film's protagonist, Madhav Shastri, had no choice but to stalk her.

Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein adapted from Tamil film Minnale

The original Tamil film Minnale was adapted into the 2001 Hindi film Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein by Gautham Vasudev Menon. Vashu Bhagnani's Pooja Entertainment produced this film, which marked the Bollywood debuts of Madhavan and Dia. In addition to them, Saif Ali Khan was in the film.

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