Acclaimed actress Radhika Apte has spoken candidly about the emotional and physical challenges she faced while working during her early pregnancy, shedding light on the lack of empathy within parts of the Indian film industry. Her revelations came during Neha Dhupia’s Freedom to Feed live session, an initiative promoting maternal rights and workplace inclusivity.
Apte recalled how one Indian producer reacted coldly upon learning of her pregnancy, allegedly insisting she wear tight-fitting clothes despite her discomfort and bloating. “I wasn’t even allowed to see a doctor when I was in pain and feeling uneasy on set,” she said. “That truly disheartened me”.
Navigating her first trimester, Apte experienced cravings and physical changes, but said she was met with insensitivity rather than support. In stark contrast, she praised a Hollywood filmmaker she worked with around the same time, who responded with warmth and understanding. “When I mentioned I was eating more and might look completely different by the end of the shoot, he laughed and said, ‘Don’t worry, even if you’re another person by the end of this project, it’s fine. Because you’re pregnant,’” she shared.
Apte emphasized that she never sought special treatment, only basic compassion. “A little empathy goes a long way,” she said, calling for the entertainment industry to evolve and make space for motherhood without judgment or resistance.
Her story has sparked renewed conversations about the need for inclusive and humane practices in film production, especially for women navigating pregnancy while fulfilling professional commitments.
