Madhavan sure is a smart guy. Despite a lukewarm Bollywood debut, he has managed to stay afloat in the cut-throat world of Mumbai showbiz.

The secret of his success lies in his ability to play his cards well. Before venturing into Bollywood, he approached Kamalahasan for tips not just on the nuances of acting, but also on who to suck up to in Mumbai. As soon as he left Kamal`s place, he made umpteen calls to directors who mattered. Among them were Shyam Benegal, Ramesh Sippy and Mani Rathnam. And before the year ended, Madhavan had been signed on for two films under Benegal and Mani Rathnam. What`s more, Kamal himself has offered him a role in his next film.

So indebted is Maddy to Kamal that when he bumped into the southern superstar`s supposedly estranged wife Sarika at a shopping mall he looked right through her. Stop playing games, Madhavan. Just remember that Kamal is a hardened industry hand and he can see through your strategems!