Radhika Apte opens up about difficult experiences in South cinema: ‘I felt completely alone’
Actress Radhika Apte has spoken candidly about some of the challenging experiences she encountered while working in the South Indian film industry, recalling how unfamiliar environments and a lack of support made certain projects particularly difficult.
In an interaction with IANS, the actress discussed her experiences while promoting her recent release ‘Akka’, in which she shares screen space with Keerthy Suresh.
Radhika revealed that while she had enjoyed working on several South Indian films, some assignments left her with difficult memories. She also pointed out that not all her challenging experiences were restricted to regional cinema, as she had encountered similarly uncomfortable situations while working on certain Bollywood projects.
Reflecting on her earlier years in the industry, she said she had become more confident over time and had gradually learned to establish professional boundaries and speak up for herself.
The actress admitted that she was particularly vulnerable during the initial stages of her career and often struggled to communicate her expectations or ask for what she needed.
One of the biggest difficulties, according to Radhika, was working in unfamiliar locations without a dependable support system.
She recalled that some productions lacked proper contracts and clearly defined scripts, leaving her uncertain about several aspects of the work.
Radhika also described feeling isolated on certain sets, where she did not know anyone personally and was unable to understand the language spoken by most members of the crew.
She explained that working in Maharashtra or in Marathi-language projects gave her a sense of familiarity because she could communicate easily and had friends and family nearby. The situation was considerably different when she travelled for South Indian projects.
On some occasions, she found herself in remote locations without an agent, friends or anyone she could approach for assistance. She also recalled that most people on the sets were men, adding to her sense of discomfort in an unfamiliar environment.
Despite these experiences, Radhika acknowledged that her professional journey has helped her develop greater confidence and the ability to stand up for herself.
The actress has appeared in several South Indian films across different languages. Her filmography includes ‘Rakta Charitra’ (2010), ‘Dhoni’ (2012), ‘Endukante… Premanta!’ (2012), ‘Legend’ (2014), ‘Lion’ (2015), ‘Haram’ (2015) and Rajinikanth’s ‘Kabali’ (2016).
Apart from her regional cinema appearances, Radhika has built a diverse career through numerous Hindi films and digital projects. Her latest comments have once again brought attention to the importance of professional safeguards, workplace support and a comfortable working environment for actors across the film industry.
