‘TALENT IS NOT THE ONLY THING’

Radhika Apte feels that an actor needs all they can get from publicity

Actor Radhika Apte is one of the faces of 2018 in the entertainment industry. If the 2015 short film Ahalya turned her into a recognisable name, this year, with a big movie (Pad Man), and three web shows, Radhika is visible on every medium. Even so, the actor, who has a promising line-up ahead, says that the publicity machine is vital to a performer’s career. She takes out time for a chat on roles, banners, and more. How important is it for you to relate to the characters you play? If something is realistic and grey, I find it very easy to relate to anyone. If you feel [a character’s] anxiety or pain, it’s the same emotions that one goes through [in life]. If you have empathy and compassion for people, it’s the basic... the fundamental [human] nature. At this stage, does the production house matter? I think there’s nothing called a big or a small film, or big or small platform. If something is good, I like to be a part of it. Would you ever settle for less or compromise on your role if a script is exceptionally good? I’ve done many films where I had smaller parts. It doesn’t matter to me, as many other factors are important while considering a film. You’ve been a part of regional films. Are you open to working in foreign industries as well? I did two foreign films this year. One was with [actor] Dev Patel, and the other is a film based on World War II. They both are Hollywood projects. Of course, I’m open to any language in a film. Language has never been a barrier. Are you good at grasping languages? I’m quick but I do need coaching. I had to speak in French for one film and I had to have a particular accent. It’s difficult to do it sometimes. While actors talk about the advantages of the digital platform, what are the limitations? I don’t think there’s any limitation from an actor’s point of view; maybe from a cinematic point of view. When you make a film for the big screen, I’m sure as a cinematographer or as a director, there probably must be a difference in their vision.

Watching something on the big screen is an experience that you don’t have with the digital [platform]. Sometimes, you watch a film and you feel that it’s meant to be watched on the big screen. I value that. Do you think talent speaks for itself, or does one need publicity? I think you need everything. Talent is not the only thing. There are way more talented people than all of us, who have not yet got a break. So, it’s a combination of a lot of things. To be honest, I’m still learning.

PHOTO: AMAL KS/HT