Radhika Apte is one of the most celebrated and talented actors in the film industry. From giving back to back stellar performances on the screen to being nominated for an Emmy, Radhika has carved a niche for herself over her past few years in showbiz. Despite having achieved so much, the actress revealed that she is struggling to adjust to the ‘problematic mindset’ of the Indian film industry.
While speaking at journalist Barkha Dutt’s conclave, We The Women, Radhika revealed that she started getting offers for sex comedies after a scene in Badlapur showed her being forced to strip by a man who is about to kill her. “Many filmmakers said, ‘you are constantly playing the role of a seductress.’ I said can you tell me where? They said Ahalya, Badlapur. I said there is a huge problem. I would not do any of those things,” the actress said.
The Andhadhun actress further added that she has been rejecting “so much work” she doesn’t know if it’s good for her career. “I feel people, in the name of ‘progressive’, write anything. Hating men is not being progressive, for example. It’s a storytelling medium, but as a director, writer, you are interpreting something. Your interpretation, perspective is the most important thing for me. I can play a male chauvinist, but as a perspective, what do you show is most important. If I disagree with the perspective, interpretation of the maker, then I don’t do the film.” She also added that “quite a lot of” films disturb her as a woman, including many “so-called celebrated” ones. Well, doesn’t that hit a road with all of us?
Radhika was further asked if her choice to not act in the movies offered to her is resulting in her isolation, the actress answered, “What happens is, dissatisfaction keeps building. As an actor – yes there’s fame and success – but it’s an individual journey. As a person, I want to grow. But you’ll only grow when you have certain challenges or if explore certain aspects that make you grow. But if the films we make are just convenient and compromised – by and large, though there are few films which are pathbreaking – then how will we grow?”. We feel you, girl!
On the work front, Radhika was last seen in a Netflix series called Ghoul. She gave two blockbusters in 2018 – Padman and Andhadhun – and as fans, we can’t wait to see more of her on-screen. We hope you find the project of your dreams super soon, Radhika!
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