R Madhavan is Dr Madhavan now!

Actor, writer, producer and director Ranganathan Madhavan has been conferred the degree of Doctor of Letters (D. Litt.) for his outstanding contribution to arts and cinema.

He was honoured with a doctorate at the 9th convocation ceremony of DY Patil Education Society, Kolhapur.

Talking about it, Madhavan says, "I am truly humbled by this honour. This will only motivate me to keep pushing the envelope and challenging myself with newer projects."

Madhavan marked his acting debut with the English film, Inferno.

Thereafter, he worked in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi films, and went to win acclaim. He delivered memorable performances in Alaipayuthey, Rehnaa Hai Tere Dil Mein, Rang De Basanti, 3 Idiots, Tanu Weds Manu and Irudhi Suttru, among others.

Currently, Madhavan is awaiting the release of his directorial debut, Rocketry: The Nambi Effect which is based on the life of Nambi Narayanan, a former scientist and aerospace engineer of the Indian Space Research Organisation who was accused of espionage.