Radhika, post Kabali

It was not just bagging a role alongside Rajinikanth that put Radhika Apte in the limelight. It was that one scene when audiences were on the verge of becoming impatient with Kabali’s pursuit of finding his Kumudhavalli — when everyone was worried that anything short of stupendous acting might make the whole scene a big cliche — came Radhika with that incredible performance which would be spoken of for years to come. DC spoke to the actress, who was in the city for the launch of Audi’s A4 car.

Let’s start with Kabali. I know you have spoken about it enough. But how was it acting alongside Superstar?
Yes, you’re right. I have answered it a lot of times! Rajinikanth sir is someone who is very professional when it comes to acting. It was, of course, a great experience working with the team altogether.

It is a dream for any actress to work with the him. Now that you accomplished it, who do you want to act with next?
No, not at all. I do not have any such preferences. I sign a project based on the role and content. Nothing else.

You choose a range of movies from commercial ones like All In All Alaghu Raja to something like Parched. How do you go about accepting a project?
I don’t think in that sense. If I hear a script and if I like the film and the role, I do it. As far as rejection goes, it is pretty much the same thing I said earlier — content is all that matters to me.

You are someone who has acted in almost all major film fraternities in India including Marathi, Telugu, and Bengali. So, what is a distinct feature of Tamil cinema according to you?
I think I can’t speak about the whole industry based on my experience here. But with the films I have done so far, I feel that the industry has been very
professional.

Ahalya then Kriti; What is your particular affinity towards short films?
To me platforms don’t make any difference. It is doesn’t matter if it is a short film or a feature film. Even now if Sujoy Ghosh (director of Kahaani and Ahalya) asks me to work in a short film, I will very well act in one.

You are one of the few actresses who is married and pursuing acting. How do you manage the work-life balance?
It is pretty much same as everyone. How does a journalist manage his work and life?  There is nothing different about this profession as well.

So, will we be seeing more of Radhika Apte in Tamil film industry?
Yes, definitely (she smiles). I look forward to working in more Tamil films.