R. Madhavan

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Records

R. Madhavan stands as one of the most decorated actors in Indian cinema, with a legacy defined by both critical acclaim and commercial success. His journey from a voice-over artist to a national award winner is a testament to his dedication and talent. He is the only actor to have won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor and later directed a film that won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film, showcasing his mastery across different facets of filmmaking. His five Filmfare Awards South and multiple SIIMA Awards highlight his dominance in the South Indian film industry, while his role in 3 Idiots brought him unprecedented global recognition. The Padma Shri in 2026 further cements his status as a cultural icon whose contributions extend far beyond the silver screen.

AwardsR. Madhavan's award cabinet is extensive and prestigious. He has won the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for Kannathil Muthamittal (2002) and the National Film Award for Best Feature Film as a producer for Rocketry: The Nambi Effect (2022). In the South Indian film circuit, he has secured five Filmfare Awards South (including Best Actor – Tamil for Irudhi Suttru), two Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, and five SIIMA Awards. Notably, his performance as a boxing coach in Irudhi Suttru (2016) garnered him the Filmfare, IIFA, and SIIMA awards for Best Actor. In 2026, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Shri, one of the nation's highest civilian awards, for his contributions to the arts. Additionally, he received PETA's Person of the Year award in 2011 for his advocacy of animal welfare and an honorary Doctor of Letters from D. Y. Patil Education Society in 2021.

Honours & Distinctions

Padma Shri

Government of India·2026

Fourth highest civilian award for contributions to the arts.

Honorary Doctor of Letters

D. Y. Patil Education Society·2021

Awarded for contributions to arts and cinema.

PETA Person of the Year

PETA·2011

Recognized for advocacy of animal welfare.

President of FTII

Film and Television Institute of India·2023

Appointed head of the premier film institute in Pune.

Rankings & Lists

Most Famous Person in Indian Dramas

iFANN Global Fame Rankings·2026

Records & Feats

Youngest Director to Win National Award for Best Feature Film

Awards·2023

Won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film for his directorial debut Rocketry: The Nambi Effect at age 52.

Highest-Grossing Indian Film at Release

Box Office·2009

Starred in 3 Idiots, which became the highest-grossing Indian film at the time of its release in 2009.