Radhika Apte, who has now emerged as a star whose ‘omnipresence’ on Netflix became a rage on social media, is all set for the release of her full-length suspense thriller AndhaDhun. The film directed by Sriram Raghavan revolves around a visually impaired pianist and the mysteries of his life, and has already garnered a lot of praise after the special screenings.
AndhaDhun also stars Ayushmann Khurrana and Tabu, and Radhika Apte has great hope from the film which is slated to release on 5 October.
In a conversation with thestatesman.com, the actress spoke about the forthcoming film, the web series saga, and her life beyond Netflix.
After being a part of major hits like Sacred Games and Ghoul, what made you choose the role in Andhadhun?
I really admire Sriram’s work and the way he thinks; his passion for cinema, everything. I always told him if you are doing a film and you have a part, I’ll do absolutely any part. I like to work with him, so this came out of that. And also, the script is excellent. I love this film.
Sriram Raghavan says you wanted Ayushmann’s role. What is the story behind that?
That was a joke. I said that why (are) you making a film with a male protagonist. In this film, you can actually swap. He said that’s an interesting idea but we have already cast. Of course, it was a joke. It was a compliment, which meant that ‘Oh my god! It’s such a great part’.”
How was your experience working with Tabu and Ayushmann Khurrana?
Ayushmann is great. He is making such great choices, and (is) also versatile. Tabu, I have been a very big fan of hers. I think she has some really incredible performances in her bag. I was very excited to work with her. I just have one scene with her and was very fascinated with what she was doing. Tabu is incredible in this film. I really hope I get opportunities to work with her more.
Talking about Netflix, it doesn’t happen often that a media giant calls it someone’s ‘fan page’. How do you feel about it?
I was just part of three shows that happened to release one after the other. So, if I was heading three shows I would have taken pride and said yes I am all over Netflix but that was not true. I don’t take these things seriously. I enjoyed that attention but I wasn’t a part of any of this. Netflix used it for their promotions and what I took out of it was how smart they were in their marketing.
It seems Bollywood’s #MeToo movement has started with Tanushree Dutta accusing Nana Patekar of sexual harassment. You have spoken about the Southern industry earlier; do you think this revelation would bring any change?
I wouldn’t exactly talk about #MeToo movement. But in the world, in any field or no field, just society, I think any gender, caste, every human being needs to have a place. We need to have a system where people can speak about and against, very freely and have faith that they are going to be heard.
A prominent actress recently said ‘No heroine’s film can earn Rs 500 cr at the Box office like Salman Khan’s film do’. With the changing scenario of women-oriented films in the Hindi film industry, do you think it’s possible?
What she said is absolutely right. What we need is equal opportunity and..equal pay also. It’s not that we need to cast and make more films with women, also the society needs to go watch it. Both need to change simultaneously. It’s changing, one can be hopeful but it needs to happen on a much larger scale.
QUICK BYTES
What comes to your mind when you hear?
Masala Chai: Cream roll
Karan Johar: Wisecrack
Amitabh Bachchan: Deep voice
Casting couch: Casting couch with Amey and Nipun
Manto: Nandita
Game of Thrones: It was long; I stopped watching at one point.
Nepotism: It’s there, so, don’t be there
Netflix: Rad-flix