Radhika Apte - Unconventional Star

If there is one thing Radhika Apte does not believe in, it’s rules. So she did what she wanted to. What her heart and gut told her to do. And sometimes, with a mischievous smile, she hints, it was exactly what everyone else thought she should not do.

- Chitman Kanwar Ahuja

Radhika makes for the perfect cover girl; she’s cool and composed, and poses for the camera like a pro.The fierce and feisty actress is a firm believer in the concept of a healthy mind, body and soul connect. From the time she stepped on to the set till the time we sat down for the interview, it was one happy, smooth-sailing ride. Radhika is not your regular celebrity who comes with her coterie of fussy managers, overstressed stylists and ludicrous demands. But rather she is just like us, who believes in being her unapologetic self, be it in reel or real life. Catch the conversation as she talks about her unexpected journey in Bollywood, keeping the audience on their toes, and her greatest indulgences while maintaining her fitness regimen. Edited excerpts…

Having trained under Kathak exponent Rohini Bhate for eight years, after which you also studied contemporary dance at London’s Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance for a year; you truly are a multi-faceted artist. What is it about the art of dance that calls to you?

I have loved to dance since childhood, having learnt Kathak, Flamenco, and Contemporary Dance. I also used to do karate and Kalaripayattu, so there has always been some or the other form of martial arts or dance in my life and I just do it for my own pleasure. I think, it anyway, helps me as an actor a lot — to be able to understand my body, movement and space better.

From a stint in Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi! to film marvels such as Parched, Manjhi: The Mountain Man, Kabali and Andhadhun. You have earned a lot of critical acclaim for your performances. Which are the roles you look back at with pride and satisfaction?