Racist jokes are not funny, says 'Parched' actress Radhika Apte

The first impression when one meets Radhika Apte is that of an unassuming, non-flamboyant Bollywood actress who has held her ground in show business. In a career spanning over a decade, this 31-year-old has an incredible body of work to speak for herself. And despite box-office success, and a stint with the superstar Rajinikanth in ‘Kabali’, she remains humble.

“I don’t anticipate anything when it comes to success. I just do my work, without thinking of the fruits it will bear,” says Apte, at the launch of a festive collection in the National Capital Region (NCR).

And she can say that with confidence. Simply because 2016 has been a good year for her. ‘Kabali’ and its runaway success apart, Apte has earned critical acclaim with almost all her outings including ‘Phobia’, ‘Ahalya’, ‘Kriti’ and ‘Parched’.


The actress says that 'Parched' will always be a special film for her. (Image: PTI)

“I had a brilliant time shooting ‘Parched’ with Adil Hussain, Tannishtha Chatterjee and director Leena Yadav There was a family-like atmosphere on the sets, and we bonded a lot,” she says.

And it’s not just her performance on the big screen that has been talked about. Apte also grabbed eyeballs when she starred as a pregnant, working professional facing gender bias in fashion e-tailer Myntra’s ‘Bold is Beautiful’ television commercial.

“It’s 2016, but sadly, gender bias still prevails. It is a reflection of our society that everybody has to go through at least once,” she says.

Gender bias is not the only thing that she feels strongly about. She also had some strong things to say about the recent controversy surrounding her ‘Parched’ co-actor Tannishtha Chatterjee who had been at the receiving end of colour jokes when she appeared for a movie promotion.

“Racist jokes are not funny at all. Body shaming shouldn’t happen,” Apte states, categorically.

Attired in a white and pink blouse and a long skirt, the actress looked stunning in brown stilettos. When asked what her personal style code was, she said that she was all for simplicity.


Apte looked elegant in the traditional dress. (Image: Instagram)

“I love wearing simple and light clothes. I am not a fashionista! Comfort is all I look for. I usually shop from one store, be it in India or London,” the actress says.