Radhika Apte is one of the most sought-after actresses we have today in Bollywood. From starting her acting career with 'Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi!' to breaking out after starring in the Bengali film, 'Antaheen', Apte has given some stellar performances in her career. She might not have played leading roles in films like 'Badlapur', 'Andhadhun', 'Pad Man' or 'Vikram Vedha' but we can't mention these films by not mentioning Radhika's immense contributions to all these projects. Also, it wouldn't be wrong to say that Radhika became the 'face' of OTT platforms. From appearing in several OTT projects like 'Lust Stories', 'Sacred Games', 'Ghoul', 'Raat Akeli Hai, 'Monica, O My Darling', etc, she sculpted her way into this space in an inspiring way. She is multi-talented and a powerhouse of talent.
The 37-year-old is currently gearing up for the release of her upcoming film, 'Mrs Undercover'. Directed by Anushree Mehta, the comedy-spy thriller is all set to premiere on April 14 on Zee5. Apte will be seen in a never-seen-before avatar in the action-comedy. Ahead of its release, in an exclusive conversation with Outlook, she spoke about the film, the genre, her character, her working experience with Anushree Mehta and more. Here are the excerpts from the interview.
In the trailer of 'Mrs Undercover', you are seen in a never-seen-before avatar. What made you say 'yes' to the film?
I think it's just the genre of the film is something that I really loved and the character was also very unique and just a very refreshing idea, and the take on everything. You have never seen a comedy spy thriller before. I think all of that together was very exciting.
You are seen as an undercover agent and a housewife who is not ready to take a project that is offered to her after a gap of 10 years but deep down you want to take it. In real life too, we see a lot of women suppressing their dreams to work to be just a housewife and look after their families. What according to you the reason behind it-the conditioning or the patriarchal norms?
I think it's all that you just said. It's the conditioning. We are sacrificing ourselves for our family and everything. I think it's a long long tradition of patriarchy and misogyny, what duties a woman has and all of that.
Looking at your career graph, you have played several characters that are an inspiration to many. You have jumped from one extreme character to another. Is it a conscious decision while choosing a character so that a certain message is passed to society?
Not really actually. I don't choose characters for some message or anything. If I like the character, I normally take it. So, this is not really a conscious choice. Every character has something to say, every subject has some relevance to society. It's just like that. It's not some conscious choice to talk about some social thing or anything.
Coming back to 'Mrs Undercover', we saw you doing lots of stunts. How did you prepare for the character?
I wish there was more prep. I didn't have any time. My dates were specific. Actually, we didn't get any time for preparations and we had to do everything on the spot and on the day. So, we did our best. I wish for action, especially, I had more rehearsals but we couldn't.
Unlike the West, we rarely see heroines doing action films as the lead. Do you think you, in and as 'Mrs Undercover' will bring a change or pave the way?
I think not just me. A lot of actors are doing really different parts where they have to do lots of physical preparations..like Priyanka Chopra, there is Deepika (Padukone), Samantha (Ruth Prabhu), Taapsee (Pannu), they are all doing a lot of action-packed things. So, I think things are changing slowly and I hope that they change even more and we all get to our different parts and play all kinds of genres.
If you are given an opportunity to do an action film with two heroines, who would you like to choose?
There are so many fantastic actresses we have and I admire a lot of them. So, I wouldn't be able to choose. I will be spoilt for choice actually.
How was your working experience with Anushree Mehta?
She is very passionate about the film. It means everything to her. It's really interesting to work with somebody who gives their heart and soul to a project and is very dedicated to it. She herself is a very strong independent woman and it takes a lot to make your first feature film the way you want to make it. She has really fought for it to make it in a certain way. It was very great to work on it.
What message you would like to give to all housewives who want to work?
They should follow their dreams and never compromise on their dreams. They should do what they want. They should also teach their children to be equal men and women. They should teach their boys and men to do all the household chores that they teach their daughters.
