It's tougher to play the simple guy: Madhavan

At a time, when Bollywood stars are vying to play superheroes, supercops and even super-baddies, Madhavan is content playing the simple guy-next-door in his films. In fact, he thinks there is a lot more effort that goes into playing 'a simple guy' than playing a dashing, swashbuckling, larger-than-life character on screen.

Referring to his character Manu, an NRI doctor, in his latest film Tanu weds Manu, Maddy says, "Manu is the simple, strong and silent guy. He is the kind no one wants to mess with. Actually, he does not need to look like a hero. After some time, the character can actually start apprearing very boring. So, the challenge was to make sure people find him interesting enough. I really had to bleed the heroic characteristics out of him."

And in real life, Maddy prefers a 'simple' image as well - staying away from controversy and alleged link-ups. In fact, the actor admits that he is a home-body any day than hopping from one party to another. He says, "I am so thankful that I have never been embroiled in any controversy. That adds credibility to my image. I am never seen around in big parties and prefer to spend time at home. I won't say it is a conscious attempt and I have also had my share of fire (read gossip) here and there. But it has all died a natural death. That's the way I am in real life."

One of the few gossips around Tanu Weds Manu that Maddy wants to clarify is the big deal people are making about his alleged kiss with co-star Kangna Ranaut in the film. "Let me make it clear - there is no smooch at all between me and Kangna in the film. It is not that kind of film at all. It has a U/A certificate, surely, but that is because Kangna has to drink a little bit," says Maddy as he rests his case.

Madhavan, who has a neat kitty of Bollywood as well as South Indian films on his resume, is happy that after years of tagging him as a 'South Indian hero', people have finally accepted him as a Bollywood regular. He laughs as he says, "Arrey, I am finally a hero now! Actually, it can be very difficult to be accepted as a hero. And irrespective of whether it is Bollywood or anywhere else, if the film-maker thinks they can make money out of you (actors), they will make you a hero."