August 17, 4.30 pm is a time date and time that Madhavan has inscribed in his heart. When Infosys head-honcho N R Narayan Murthy was asked to speak at the Singapore Expo on business relations between India and the South East Asia he made a counter-suggestion. Why do a monologue, why not an interface?

"I'd rather be interviewed by Mr Madhavan" Murthy suggested to the Expo authorities. Madhavan is walking on air. "I've that e-mail which I'll keep till the end of time. I've always been a big fan of Mr Narayan Murthy. He's certainly one of my idols. I still remember his interview with Bill Gates where he had said, 'The real power of money is the power to give it away'. I'll never forget that line."

Madhavan is hoping his interface with Murthy on 17 August will have its lively and informative moments, "I don't want it to be cut and dried. The very fact that he asked for me, puts a big responsibility on my shoulder. And I intend to take that responsibility very seriously"

Madhavan has just returned from Singapore from the premiere of his latest Tamil film. "But I don't mind going back so quickly. My wife Sarita is coming with me. She says she wouldn't miss this historic moment in my life for anything in the world."