Playing a romantic hero at 40 is amusing

Madhavan says he never tried to bank on the `chocolate boy` image and his upcoming film `Tanu Weds Manu` is only his second Bollywood romance but somehow he is still stuck with the tag.

"`Rehna... ` was 10 years back. It does not even feature in my memory now, but I am just amused that I am doing a romantic film at 40," Madhavan told PTI.

"I am not chocolate and definitely not a boy. I am a man and I have no clue how this image has stuck to me despite all these years. I think may be, inspite of trying to shell off my chocolate boy image, love stories excite me and some how I land up in such roles," Madhavan said.

Madhavan has been part of many multistarrer in Bollywood like `Rang De Basanti`, `Guru` and `3 Idiots` but single hits have eluded him so far.

The actor hopes to change things with his latest movie, which is again a boy meets girl story in the traditional wedding set-up. Madhavan plays the role of Manoj Sharma a.k.a. Manu, a smart, intelligent, but shy NRI who possess all the qualities of a good husband.

But unlike his larger-than-life characters in previous films, Madhavan found it difficult to play a common man onscreen.

"It was a real hard work to play Manu as the character is strong and silent, unlike my real personality. I have certain style sense but Manu is devoid of such styles. It was a challenge indeed," Madhavan said. Madhavan, who has always been the good guy in Bollywood, says he would love to explore his grey side if the script is fascinating.

Ask him about his bit part in `3 Idiots`, Madhavan says he is a die-hard fan of Rajkumar Hirani and would even do a standing part for the celebrated filmmaker.

"If Hirani offers me anything, I think I will accept it blindly. He is the only man in the industry for whom I would do a role blindly."

`Tanu Weds Manu` depicts the story of how two seemingly opposite people end up falling in love. The film hits theatres this Friday.

Madhavan, who has worked with Aamir twice, says he is learning the business of cinema from the Bolllywood superstar.