Radhika Apte
The thing is, if one person recognises you and takes a picture, then four other people who don't even know you want to do the same.
I'm game for any kind of roles as long as I find it interesting.
I don't think that independent or off-beat films are not commercial, nor do I want to categorise them. At the end of the day, what matters is how much you compromise to please the masses. But, I am not someone who loves compromising. If there's a lot to give up on things that matter to me, I start losing interest.
'Vetri Selvan' is the first film where I play a conventional romantic role, which I found very challenging.
Playing characters I don't relate to are a big challenge for me.
I am not very ambitious by nature, and movies happened to me by chance.
While I am open to good offers when they come by, I have found my calling in theatre.
I usually take up short films when I am not tied up with feature films. Short films are easier to work on... because it doesn't take much of your time. The number of shoot days are lesser as compared to feature films.
I love to travel and go to dance classes whenever I get time.
I love to cook and read books.
Every night, I watch films.
I think jokes on colour or body shaming shouldn't be made. It's not funny to crack such jokes.
I feel art has the power to bind us.
A brand should live up to the expectations of people; it should deliver what it promises.
I do get a lot of offers for endorsing a brand, but for me, the credibility of the brand matters the most.
There are hierarchies in B-Town regarding many things, not just gender. Men also go through a lot in this industry.
I don't like people recognizing me all around the world. I really don't like that, as it's breach of my privacy.
I can't have double standards, so I do what I believe in.
You get negative comments even if you are not talking. So you can't be scared of negative comments from people.
I did not come to Mumbai because I wanted to be a star. I came to Mumbai because I genuinely love acting, and it gives me a kick.
Bollywood is a business more than an art industry. One has to play the game others play to carve your own path.
I don't follow norms in my life. They don't make sense to me. I do whatever I feel or what makes me happy and feels right.
A lot goes in my mind while choosing a role. Choosing unconventional roles is not a conscious decision. I choose the most exciting and challenging role from the options I have.
I've always been interested in dance and want to be a trained contemporary dancer.
For an actor, it is necessary to vegetate and look for inspiration. I get that from travelling, meeting people, and observing things around me. I bring back my energy by gaining different experiences.
The conventional idea of beauty is so boring.
I find all my friends very beautiful.
A face is beautiful when you can relate to it or when you can see the emotion through the face.
There is a pressure on actresses to look in a certain way. Like, when I have to go out for promotion or interviews, I have to choose designer wear.
When you are a freelancer, you are always looking for a next job. There is always struggle.
I like to perform. I hope I keep on getting good offers.
I have been brought up watching world cinema, and I have travelled a lot, so I am very comfortable with my body.
I don't see why I should be ashamed of my body. That's the one tool I use as a performer.
I had no apprehensions doing bold scenes.
I never get a role if I audition for it.
If I take up something, then it's only because I love it so. It makes no sense to leave it just because I got a better offer.
Both my parents are doctors, but I'm passionate about dance and have always wanted to act since I was a child.
I think success has a different definition for everyone.
I am on social media to connect with my fans, but when I'm out on the streets, I don't even wear make-up. I'm in my chappals, on my own, and I like that.
When I was really young, I was obsessed with Bollywood. Then I got exposed to world cinema, and I wanted to be a part of it. Then I was exposed to theatre, and I only wanted to do theatre.
I don't mind doing genre roles as long as they offer me something substantial.
I find it very important to keep learning because, as an actor, you get exhausted. You need more emotion, more experience... you need something to base everything on.
Initially, I did South Indian films because I needed the money; I had a huge student loan that I had to pay off. But I do feel that Marathi, English, and Hindi are what I'm more comfortable with.
I don't want to be a top Bollywood actress. That's not what is driving me.
I am an actor. What I am on screen is what matters.
I understand that when you become a public figure, people pay more attention to you, but my personal life is my space.
I do films because there is an audience out there. It doesn't matter if they're Indian, American, or European.
Anything that generates better films, more work, and better content is good.
I do social media largely for work because I want to be a part of different activities. In India, that's how you make money, so I do it as my job.