Loud ‘wows’ and envious sighs are what I get when I tell friends I am off to interview Radhika Apte. I mention this to actor and she just laughs it off and says, “Not mine. All Rajinikanth fans!” But we all know that after her role as Kumudhavalli, the fiery-yet-loving wife of Rajinikanth in Kabali, Apte is here to stay. Dressed in a summery yellow and off-white, she smiles as she settles down for a quick Q& A. Excerpts On the unconventional roles she has played … Kabali, Phobia, Parched, Hunterr, Manjhi: The Mountain Man, Badlapur… I don’t think it’s a bold approach. It’s just that these stories appealed to me, it is as simple as that. I did all the films you have mentioned solely because of this. Sometimes the story inspires you, or the character, sometimes it’s the actor you want to work with or it’s the director. Or, you are broke and you need the money. Sometimes, it’s a strategical move for the career. It really depends. I said yes to Rajinikanth’s film even before knowing the story because it’s a Rajini film. It was a bonus that the story was good. On her upcoming film Pad Man, based on Arunachalam Muruganantham, a social entrepreneur from Coimbatore, who came up with the low-cost sanitary pad making machine… I have been told strictly not to talk about Pad Man. But I will say that it’s an important story to be told and I am proud to be a part of it. On heroine-oriented films You don’t get good scripts often. I think the competition has also increased now with many actors turning producers. It’s amazing that actors like Anushka and Priyanka are producing their own films. They can do their own content. There are more opportunities for women that are increasing but still I think we have a long way to go. It really depends on the script. When you say a good film, it’s not about the box office numbers. It is about connecting with the film. It is about the sensibility appealing to you. It is about liking what the script is saying and thinking it is creative, exciting and challenging for you. I don’t bother about box office numbers, but I am aware that someone has put in their money to make the film. So, we market it well and try and be available for marketing. But, beyond a point it doesn’t depend particularly on me. It depends on a lot of other things. Challenging roles… Every role has its own challenges. Every part has been different be it Parched, Phobia, Hunterr (very difficult!), Mountain man and Badlapur. I don’t like to compare and why should I? Whatever you are portraying, you need to be truthful, and find some reality and work with focus and dedication. It’s hard work. Every part needs a different kind of preparation. On getting back to theatre I haven’t done theatre for two years. But sooner or later I will get back to it. Following South films I watched Angamaley Dairies (Malayalam) two days ago. Oh My God. It was so crazy and what a delight to watch. I loved it. I have done only one Malyalam film Vinod Sukumaran’s Haram. Till now, I haven’t come across any script from the South that I have liked. The scene where Radhika Apte breaks down on seeing Rajinikanth after 25 years in jail… do you remember what Ranjith told you while filming it? I have forgotten now (laughs). But, I remember we did only one take of the scene. Ranjith (director of Kabali) is very close to his mother. He told me about his mother and then briefed me about my character. And, then we did the scene. As simple as that. About Rajinikanth I can’t think of anything new as I have spoken about it so many times. It’s once in a lifetime opportunity to work with Rajini Sir. I have learnt a lot from his humility, discipline, simplicity, and hard work. There was just too much to learn from him. I have become a bigger fan after working with him. I don’t know if they are making a sequel. If I come to know I will let you know. Her beauty regimen As an actor I have to take care of my health, body, skin, hair. I don’t believe in perfection, I hate the definition of it. But health is important, be it health of your skin or hair. And as I have to use make up every day. I have to watch out for allergies, watch my diet and so on. Radhika Apte was in Coimbatore to inaugurate an outlet of the Advanced Beauty and Cosmetic Clinic that offers a range of cosmetic solutions for skin and hair care.

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