Rad, Rad, Radhika: 20 Questions With The OTT Queen

Radhika Apte is unlike any other film star you have met. A true show-stealer on screen, she eschews the quintessential star persona, and diva-like airs in person. Instead, she’s plain warm, friendly, and candid. Like a breath of fresh air, she makes her strong, yet subtle presence felt without ever screaming for attention. It’s hard to imagine how a star of contemporary entertainment and the unofficial ambassador of Netflix India can remain so distant from the clichés of stardom. It becomes clear within minutes of meeting her that she actually shies away from unwanted attention. “I am not a very public person. I don’t like being recognised.” Who else would consider taking a train from London to Paris for debuting as the showstopper for Indian fashion designer Vaishali S during the Paris Haute Couture Week 2024? And who would causally step out in a pair of dungarees, without hair and makeup, to dine alone at a neighbourhood French restaurant? It almost seems hard to believe when she says, “I hate an entourage.” Unguarded and effortlessly easy despite being a star was unthinkable, until we met Apte.

However, doing the unthinkable is what Radhika is best known for. The self-made actor comes from a family of doctors and took the theatre route into cinema. She starred in regional language films starting from Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Tamil, Marathi, and Malayalam. Her first leading role was in one of my all-time favourite movies, a Bengali social drama film named Antaheen (2009), where she clearly sets the stage for being the “lucky charm” for critically acclaimed movies in the years to come. Her romance with the camera and raw expressions are what truly make her a cut above the rest.

With over a decade in mainstream Bollywood, her impressive repertoire of films include Hunter, Andhadhun, Parched, I AM, Shor in the City, Badlapur, Pad Man, Monica O My Darling and many more, each showcasing her sheer versatility. Known to bring life-like portrayals to her on-screen characters, she’s the true-blue crossover queen. As one of the early mainstreamers to move into the OTT space way before other mainstream stars, she was hailed as the poster girl of OTT or “Netflix Queen,” as she corrects us. With three big-budget back-to-back releases: Lust Stories, Sacred Games, and Ghoul, 2018 was seemingly the year of Radhika Apte. More recently, she wowed audiences with her splendid portrayal of a Dalit woman in the hit series Made In Heaven.

With an urge to keep challenging herself and to channel her passionate storytelling ability, Apte took to writing and made her directorial and writing debut with The Sleepwalkers, a short film starring Shahana Goswami and Gulshan Devaiah, that also bagged The Best Midnight Short Award at Palm Springs International Shortfest in 2021.

In Paris, as I witness her attempt another of the many significant firsts in her career—being the showstopper in Paris for designer Vaishali S haute couture collection, Sartori, I realise, its her dedication and her penchant to explore new dimensions that makes her truly one-of-a-kind. At the cusp of a life-altering change that she’s about to embrace, the calm and confident Radhika, proved to be the dream showstopper any designer can wish for. Her debut runway walk marked her signature style that defines her as an actor—bold, effortless, and raw.

We snatched her for an exclusive photoshoot on a bright sunny day in the French capital to delve into her creative mind that sets the stage on fire.

Edited Excerpts

1. Define Radhika Apte as an Artiste and Your Creative Streak.

I can’t just define myself like that, but I think I like creating things, collaborating. I like things which are challenging, which have an influence on who you are, and what changes you or moulds you for the better. I think art for me is an expression and a creative process and I love to be a part of it.

2. As an Actor, What Kind of Creative Expression Do You Look For in Your Projects?

I just like honest expressions. I find projects which are just written or made for the sake of making them quite hollow. But if there’s something that you’re passionate about, which is leading you to create, then that’s something that I really look for.

3. From Shor in the City to Lust Stories to Sister Midnight Which Made it to the Cannes Film Festival 2024, Tell Us How Do You Get Into Character?

I don’t follow any method. I just like to study the character in detail. I enjoy discussing the character a lot with writers, directors, and my co-actors. I need to know the character really well and why they do what they do, who they are, where they come from, what made them who they are. I really enjoy that and so, that’s how I normally approach characters.

4. From Bollywood to Hollywood films such as Call to Spy, How Has Your Journey Evolved and How Have You Evolved?

When I think of my whole journey, I feel, in the beginning, I was more open to do everything. And now I’ve become picky about everything. That’s the major difference. Also, I was younger, and just ready to throw myself in any situation and get a bit carried away. Now I’m calmer and more deliberate in my choices. I think I use my time more wisely now—that’s probably the biggest change.

5. You are the only Indian Actor to Win an International Emmy Award Nomination for Best Actress for Lust Stories. What do Awards Mean To You, and How Did It Feel To Compete Against Top Actors from Around the World?

It was a really great feeling. I did not expect it to happen because it was an anthology and my segment was just 20-minutes long in the film. It was the first, I think, Emmy round for India and was quite special. Netflix took us everywhere, making it a memorable experience to be nominated alongside other top actors.

6. What Kind of Movies Do You Watch and Who’s Your Favourite Actor and Director?

I don’t have favourites. There are too many excellent actors and directors to pick one. I watch all kinds of movies—from sci-fi to thrillers to comedies and romantic films. I categorise films as either good or bad, but even that is subjective. Sometimes, I know I won’t like a film, but I watch it anyway just to see what people are making.

7. What Kind of Movies Would You Like to Direct?

I’d like to direct primarily my own work. I’ve been trying to write for a long time. The desire to write and direct does not stem from just wanting to try something new or just become a director, but from wanting to explore ideas I’m passionate about. I hope that something will work out.

8. Tell us About Your Debut Experience of Walking the Runway in Paris for Vaishali S Haute Couture Collection and How You Perceive Fashion?

I love fashion—it’s a form of expression, isn’t it? Walking for Vaishali S was really memorable in Paris, and I love the red saree, it truly resonates with my style.  Vaishali has had such a wonderful, adventurous life, and it shows in her clothes. Her clothes showcase her authentic inspirations and her roots in India and yet have such contemporary expressions. I was very nervous walking the ramp but it was a rewarding experience. I hope more opportunities like that come my way.

9. How You Would Describe Your Personal Style?

I’m going to answer very boringly. Comfort, and minimalistic. I like things to be minimal.

10. London, Mumbai, Pune—How Does Radhika Apte Feel at Home in All These Places and How Do You Juggle Your Time Between These Cities?

I feel like a global citizen and I’ve always felt like this. I’ve always felt that wherever you are, home is there. But now it’s between London, Mumbai and Pune and my partner’s parents who live in North England. So, these four houses we definitely visit every year. It’s hectic with all the travel, different time zones, and balancing work and relationships, but it has its advantages. You get the best of both worlds. I normally spend half the year in India, half the year in the UK, and it’s been quite incredible, so far.

11. Which of Your Characters Has Been The Most Satisfying Till Date and Why?

One of my favourite films is Sister Midnight. It’s a very special character—different, challenging, and deeply satisfying. I was thoroughly challenged and enjoyed every bit of it. I also loved working on Lust Stories, Phobia, Parched, Monica, O My Darling, Hunter. Gosh, I don’t remember half the names. But these were quite special.

12. As the Netflix queen, How do you Think OTT has Changed the World of Cinema?

In the last few years, I don’t think Bollywood was producing great cinema, and is not producing great cinema even now. I think it comes in phases. Some films are artistic and some films are just commercially driven. OTT platforms, when they arrived, took more risks, but now they’re becoming more like TV and I think they are taking lesser risks as compared to earlier.

13. You have Acted in Lust Stories, Padman, Made in Heaven, What are your Thoughts on Female-Centric Movies and Women Directors Changing the Narrative?

It’s not about female centric films, it’s about representation, equal representation, that’s all it is. I’ve done some films which had female leads, and I’ve also done films which have had smaller parts, which also have made a lot of impact. Opportunity should be available for all genders equally. Otherwise you’re not listening, and you’re not getting to know the stories that half of your population wants to tell. It’s important for women writers, directors to be given the same opportunity.

14. What is one Dream Project you Would Like to Turn Into Reality?

I guess it’s just whatever I’m writing, I want that to happen. And that’s my dream project right now.

15. How is 2024 Shaping up and What are the Next Big Things you are Looking Forward To?

I have just taken a sabbatical. I’ve had a very busy six months, and I’m very tired. I’m taking six months off work. Can’t wait for what’s next!

16. How was your Experience Working with Manish Malhotra and Tisca Chopra’s Directorial Debut A Train from Chaprola?

Manish has been a dear friend for a very long time. He’s one of the most generous and kind people I’ve met in the film industry. So, when he came to me with his a film under his production house Stage 5, I said yes, without even thinking twice! And it was really lovely working with both him and Tisca. I’ve not seen the film yet, but Tisca had a particular vision of how she wanted it to be and she’s very passionate about the film. I’m very excited to see how it turns out.

17. Which Fashion Designers do you Love Wearing?

I’ve worn so many from India and enjoyed wearing everybody. Some of my favourites are Vaishali S, Ritu Kumar, Sabyasachi, Tarun Tahiliani, Gaurav Gupta, Anamika Khanna, Shivan & Naresh and Rahul Mishra.

18. Can You Share About Your Upcoming American Movie, Last Days, and Why you Chose this Project?

I’m not officially allowed to talk about this movie at the moment. But I’ll just say that it’s a film by Justin Lin, best known for Fast & Furious franchise. He’s such a fantastic man. I’m completely in awe of him. It’s of course, a great story and a great part, but I would work with him in a heartbeat.

19. How Has Your Experience Been of Working in the West and How Does it Compare to Working in India?

A while ago, I would have said that people are far more professional in the West. People are punctual, things start on time and finish on time, people get paid on time, all HODs have read the script, everybody really knows the script, etc.  Things are changing in India too for the better. The newer generation, which I consider myself part of, is highly dedicated and skilled. They work because they love what they do, and they’re hired for their talent. Its a great time as people are joining the industry from different backgrounds and different places and that helps and makes a huge difference.

20. What’s Your Take on the Current State of Content Creation in Bollywood, and Where Do You Think We’re headed?

This is a big question at the moment about what’s working and what isn’t. There’s a lot of uncertainty in the content landscape right now. I don’t watch blockbuster films . It’s not my cup of tea. But I’m sure good things will happen—we just need true inspiration, which is why art exists, because that’s the air we breathe, really.

CREDITS
Couture: Vaishali S
Jewellery: Tanishq Jewellery
Photographer: Cris Vidal
Hair and Makeup: Roberto Mambretti x Beautick, Beppe D’Elia
Hospitality Partner: Hotel Villa Marquis by The Melia Collection
Artist PR: Think Talkies

Creative Consultant: The Horologists

Team Outlook
Chief Marketing Officer: Shrutika Dewan
Executive Creative Director: Anjan Das
Head of Campaign and Communications: Pragya Vats
Senior Brand Manager: Sukanya Chatterjee
Video Editor and Multimedia: Wazid Ansari
Graphic Designer: Rohina Chaudhary
Social Media team: Humayun Kamran, Komal Srivastava
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