R Madhavan earlier worked with British Army, Royal Navy, and Air Force but six months less than Indian Army dream

Actor R Madhavan, who is now becoming famous for playing roles in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and English films, had a totally different dream about his working life when young. Much earlier than the first experience with the film industry, Madhavan would always daydream about wearing the Indian Army uniform. His childhood in National Cadet Corps (NCC) and his performance there had taken him near achieving the dream, but it was not possible under the rules. 

Madhavan: An NCC star cadet

Madhavan was a very active NCC cadet during his early years. He was class one in performance and was declared Maharashtra's Best NCC Cadet. It was an exceptional talent that provided an exceptional opportunity available to a small group of cadets. He was one of the privileged few eight NCC cadets who went to England and were trained by the British Army, the Royal Navy, and the Royal Air Force.

The training exposed him to global standards of the military and discipline at a very early age. For an Indian youth, it was not only prestigious but also a move towards the career he had wanted in his childhood.

Why he couldn't join the Indian Army

Since Madhavan was half a year older than the cut-off age for joining the Army, he attempted to get into the Indian Army after his return from England. But it did not work. The policy was strict and no relaxations were permitted.

Although a world-class officer and top of the cadets, he could not be permitted to go further. It was a setback for Madhavan, who was destined for the Army, and set his life on a different path. 

Changing course: From army dreams to studies

Once he failed to get into the Army, Madhavan turned his attention to academics. He did a Bachelor of Science in electronics. During this period also, he opted for a taste of public speaking and communication. He started holding personality development workshops and went on to become a public speaking instructor.

He also participated in the Young Businessmen Conference in Tokyo in 1992, but this time, representing India. This reveals that he possessed many other skills apart from the Army and the NCC. This was the time that boosted his confidence and experience which one day proved useful in his career beyond imagination.

At the beginning of Madhavan's acting career, he had already appeared in a sandalwood talc ad as a guest artist in 1996. He spent a couple of minutes on camera, and next thing he knew, he was doing TV serials like Banegi Apni Baat and Sea Hawks. The guest roles gave him exposure and set him up to make his foray into films.

He continued to work in movies that made him a star among many. He gained popularity among the younger generation after his role in Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein. One of the greatest blockbusters of his career that reinforced his position in Bollywood even more was 'Three Idiots'. He continued to work in projects of different languages throughout his years and became an omnipresent actor.

His NCC days are unearthed by his fans

Years ago, some of the vintage pictures of Madhavan from his NCC cadet days surfaced on Reddit. A few of his fans were shocked to view him in his army attire, showing the discipline and physique that he had picked up during his teenage years.

Others noted how his life experience added depth to his performance as an officer in Rang De Basanti and in Aarohan. One of the fans wrote, it appears as though "Madhavan has lived several different lives," which summarizes how his life experience as a cadet to become actor has earned him respect.

On the professional front

Even now, Madhavan keeps making his entry through offbeat projects. He was recently seen in the OTT release Aap Jaisa Koi with Fatima Sana Shaikh. His next project Dhurandhar will have him sharing screen space with Ranveer Singh.

From coming close to being an Indian Army soldier to becoming one of the best actors, Madhavan's life teaches us how life becomes a different turn. Though he never got all dressed up in the Indian Army fatigues, his days at the NCC are one of his most valuable pages of life.