EXCLUSIVE: Radhika Apte on female sexuality being explored in the movies - It is opening up better than before

Radhika Apte is amongst the trailblazing actresses in the current crop of stars, who has been delivering one power-packed performance after another. 

2018 for the actress started with a bang as she delivered a nuanced act in PadMan. After PadMan, there was the critically and commercially acclaimed Netflix special, Lust Stories which was followed by Sacred Games. 

In an EXCLUSIVE interview with Pinkvilla, Radhika was no-filtered and all sass as we hounded her with questions ranging from her recent work to women-oriented films. We also asked the usually private actress about her relationship with husband, Benedict Taylor. 

Check out the full interview below:

Were you surprised by the positive reaction to Lust Stories?

"I was surprised but not because I thought that the content was very controversial. I didn't think it will be watched so much, where people would be so into it. They seem to really like it. What made me really happy is that it resonated with most of the people. Lots of reactions were like, 'OMG! This is how I feel' and 'I know people like this.' People related to my character and that was very nice. Conventionally, what people think is that, 'Oh! She's so neurotic,' but that's not the state at all."

Were you nervous to play such an unconventional character in Lust Stories?

"I'm the last person to judge people. I was nervous in terms of if I will be able to portray it and if you're going to be able to portray different shades and stay true to your character, invoke empathy. So these are the things that make you nervous, not the character. I would never judge people like that."

How was it working with Anurag Kashyap in Lust Stories?

"It's always amazing. It's so great to work with him. I feel completely at home. I feel completely capable of opening myself and being vulnerable in front of him and take any leap of faith, literally. He makes me feel very inspired with his energy. He also gives you a lot of freedom, yet he also challenges my comfort zone. He is one of my favourite persons to work with."

*spoiler alert* Many fans have been speculating on your character on whether she was into a polyamory relationship or she was confused about who she loved between three men. What is your interpretation on the same?

"The film is open to interpretations which is why we have not explained why she is behaving like that. We have not explained what happened in her past. It's for people to see how they want to see it. That's the whole idea of the film, you can interpret it the way you want it. You can relate to whatever part you want to relate to."  

As Radhika Apte and not your character in Lust Stories, what is your take on such relationships?

"It's a very large topic. All I can say is, people can choose any way of relationships, whatever they feel is best for them. They can make a new rulebook if they need to or they can have no rules. Whatever they want to do, I'm the last person to judge."

Given the response to Lust Stories, do you feel that everyone is now more open to female sexuality?

"I think there's a lot more room, not just for female sexuality but sexuality in general but yes, it is opening up better than before."

How was it working in Sacred Games?

"Shooting was great and comfortable as I have worked with Anurag before. I have worked with the actors before. I did Baazaar with Saif and Vikram (Aditya Motwane), I thoroughly enjoyed working with him and hope to work with him again. It was really great and chilled out and very focused also simultaneously. I really enjoyed it."

Would you prefer to watch a movie in theatres or on a digital platform?

"There are two different markets we are talking about, two different mediums now. I think we should stop comparing and give each their own space and collaborate if you can."

The stereotypical notion is that producers don't want to make women-oriented movies because they don't bring in the box-office numbers. Do you feel that has changed with movies like Raazi and Veere Di Wedding?

"I think things are changing for sure but we have a long way to go. There is more work for women in different fields now and not just acting. It's not that unless they make money, we won't give them coverage. It has to change from both sides. If they want to make money, people need to go watch it. You need to make more of those films for people who really want to watch it. You can't just say, 'Let the other person first improve and then I will improve.' Both things have to happen simultaneously."

2018 has been a makeshift year for Radhika Apte. Would you feel the same way?

"I have been asked this question for the past three years, every year. How do you know if it is your best year? Who knows what is going to happen in the future. It's been good, varied and very hectic also. I will probably take a break but its been good learning experience and challenging."

Who is on your bucket list when it comes to directors and actors?

"There are too many. With today's day and age, the kind and number of films that come out and I cannot choose one. There are way too many amazing performances and directors, not just established ones. Sometimes you come across new filmmakers and it's just so much. What might come to you is better than your imagination."

You have been very private when it comes to your relationship with husband Benedict Taylor. How do you manage a long-distance relationship?

"When you want to do something, you find ways of doing it. (laughs)."