As she completes two decades in the film industry, acclaimed actress Radhika Apte has opened up about the dark and unsettling chapters of her early career. In a remarkably candid conversation, she detailed the pervasive sexism and traumatic experiences she encountered while working across different film industries in India.
Walking Away from Big Bollywood Projects
Despite now having significant control over her professional choices, Radhika admitted that memories from her initial years still haunt her. She revealed to Screen magazine that she consciously walked away from several high-profile opportunities in Hindi cinema after encountering toxic environments.
"I didn't do too many big Hindi films where this happened," Radhika stated. She explained that after meeting certain teams, she decided she could never collaborate with them. "They're awful people. Very big people. If I start putting names, you'll be like, 'Whaaat?'" she said, emphasizing her decision to protect her peace over chasing fame.
Financial Need Led to Uncomfortable South Film Sets
The actor shared that financial pressures in the late 2000s compelled her to accept roles in South Indian films, which presented a different set of harsh challenges. "I did some South films because I really needed money," she confessed, recalling sets where she felt profoundly isolated and uncomfortable.
She narrated a particularly disturbing incident where the crew insisted on altering her physique. "I was the only woman on set. We were shooting in a small town. They wanted to add more padding on my bums and breasts," Radhika recounted. She questioned their demands, asking, "How much rounder would you make somebody?" This experience highlighted the extreme control exerted over her appearance, with no other women present for support.
Complete Isolation Without Support System
Radhika Apte described the profound loneliness she endured during those shoots. "I had no manager. I had no agent. My team was all men because they'd given me the role," she said. She was even barred from bringing her own team, leaving her vulnerable.
She clarified that the sexism wasn't limited to major incidents but was embedded in the everyday culture. "The sexism started from cracking lewd jokes about women on set to adding more padding on my body," she explained, providing an example of the direct and casual misogyny she faced.
Lasting Trauma and a Call for Change
Known for her fearless persona, Radhika confessed that these experiences were deeply scarring. "I'm usually quite brave, but my heart still skips a beat thinking about those days. It was actually traumatic. I wouldn't want any woman to be in that position," she expressed, vowing never to find herself in such a situation again.
She also critiqued the ongoing portrayal of women in mainstream, big-budget cinema, finding current depictions "disturbing." Importantly, Radhika pointed out that the responsibility for change does not rest solely with men. "There are so many women in such powerful positions who can make the change, but they won't. And I find that deeply disturbing," she stated.
Concluding on a reflective note, she admitted to struggling with industry alliances, often unsure of where people stand on crucial issues. Radhika Apte was last seen in Tisca Chopra's directorial debut 'Saali Mohabbat' alongside Divyenndu. The film is currently available for streaming on ZEE5.
