Radhika Apte
I have never celebrated Valentine's Day in my life.Collection: Valentines
My memories mean a lot to me, and I hold them close to my heart.
When in doubt, always wear black.
Professionalism and punctuality are extremely important, especially in the career path I've chosen. Being on sets, film schedules can be very stringent and tight. They are sometimes at odd hours in various locations. Being there when you're called just ensures that the day starts smoothly.
Whether something is sensible or not is subjective. What is sensible to me might not be for others.
In a field like acting, there is pressure of all kinds, and it becomes tricky to navigate this space. There isn't a particular path laid out to get what you want; you have to figure out ways to get there on your own. And yet, there is no guarantee of getting what you want. At times, you don't know whom to listen to or whose advice to follow.
As we know, menstrual hygiene is an issue women have been facing over the years. It's great that the initiative to provide low-cost sanitary napkins has been undertaken. It is an empowering step for many women.
I did quite a lot of research for 'Phobia' because it's a very sensitive topic, so I couldn't have just faked it.
Mentioning the word 'menstruation' has always been a taboo in India. People always shy away from talking about menstruation hygiene, and the awareness about the topic is very dismal.
I am a very hyper person and always get pre-occupied with something.
I feel that discrimination and hierarchy is something that people have to face constantly.
Look after all those lovely peculiarities in your face, your body, and yourself.
I'm friends with all my contemporaries.
We have so many male superstars, but there are just a few female actors who have attained that status. It is not only because of the industry; it's in the society.
I think if a Swiss watch can come to the country and have their own corporate stores, a Pakistani actor should come here and do a film here in India.
If you are an industry kid, the first film is given to you on a platter. However, the pressure and expectations are immense.
There is no set way of getting a role - you don't give an exam, score well, and then nail a film.
Though I have achieved a little bit in my career, I have to continue working hard.
The image of an actor plays a huge role in deciding if he or she can experiment with roles.
It's not just about looking shocked if the scene demands it. It's about feeling that emotion. You can't lie to the camera, because it captures everything. This is what I have learnt over the years.
If the actor believes in the moment, the audience believes in it, too.
On certain days, it can get difficult, because acting is about being naked emotionally. There are days when you are feeling empty, but the scene demands you to go through a cathartic experience. That's why I like to know what my schedule for a particular film is beforehand.
All I can say is that, as an industry, we are trying to come together and find a way of constructively making a system where we all have a safe environment, and it's going on. I am part of that, and I hope that we come up with a constructive system which is equal and genderless for every human being.
People who exploit their power and abuse others need to be revealed.
You need to learn to say no and need to recognise when you're being exploited.
I would like to be part of sensible cinema, irrespective of whether it is a commercial or niche film, but it doesn't always pan out like that.
It is difficult to constantly make courageous choices.
If you go to Canada or Los Angeles, you will get to see many South Asians there, but on screens, they are so less in number. It is abnormal not to have much South Asians on screens.
I want our generation to break stereotypes, and I want Indians who are making their foray in Hollywood to get all kinds of roles.
It is very important to transform every disadvantage into an advantage.
Industry is not only driven by talent; it depends upon so many factors. If you need to be successful in this field, one should know how to convert everything into a plus point. If you have a dusky face, make that your plus point.
I think you can't get anywhere without hard work.
Even if you are born with a silver spoon, you have to work hard. I mean, you could be offered films on a platter, but if you don't get up in the morning and learn your lines, it is not going to work.
Certain people get an opportunity because they happen to be in the right place at the right time. It has no bearing on their talent. I don't think we should look at it and feel bitter about it. That's the way the cookie crumbles in all professions.
Yes, I will sign a film for the money. Because sometimes you don't have the money to eat, and you have to get work and maintain a lifestyle. Not just actors - I think everybody does that. No job on this planet is about 100 per cent satisfaction. You do some part of the job for money.
I will do a big-budget film. I will do an indie film. I will do a short film. I will do a digital platform show, television, and even theatre. I don't have any restrictions in terms of platform as long as the content is something that I find interesting.
Sometimes you really make bad mistakes, and you want to go back and just erase them.
Why are we only talking about gender discrimination. We need to focus on the other kinds of discriminations in practice.
Gender discrimination is not the only form of discrimination one has to deal with.
I don't do much for skin. Just drink water, try to get proper sleep, exercise, sweat it out, keep it moisturised, and most importantly, clean. That's basically what I do.
I do believe that laughter is the best medicine - it cures everything.
I don't know why, but I can't get myself to like animal prints.
Wear what feels nice to you, not to impress.
I like the sartorial taste of Kangana Ranaut and the effortless style of Ranveer Singh.
The menstruation taboo is ancient, and there are so many theories about it. For some, it is fear of blood, and for some, period blood is toxic. If you read the theories about menstruation, you might even laugh.
I'm an actor, and my main purpose is to bring out interesting stories to life. If it involves a cause that I can be a part of, I most definitely will.
I want to be a part of stories.
I did 'Padman' not only because of its social message. I did it because it was a good story.
I run after good stories. If I did not like the story of 'Padman,' and if it was imparting the same message, I probably would not have done it.
I want to challenge myself with each project.