Radhika Apte has highlighted the stark difference in empathy as while an Indian producer reacted coldly to her pregnancy, an international filmmaker responded with warmth and support.
Radhika Apte has opened up about her difficult pregnancy and how she struggled to accept her body and weight gain during and after pregnancy. While she was dealing with her challenges, the film industry did not make things easy for her. In a recent interaction, Radhika shared the stark difference in empathy and understanding between an Indian producer and an international filmmaker – while an Indian producer reacted ‘coldly’ to her pregnancy news, an international filmmaker gave her support and empathy.
Speaking during Neha Dhupia’s Freedom to Feed live session, Radhika said, “The Indian producer I was working with was not happy with the news. He behaved very coldly and even insisted that I wear tight-fitting clothes despite my discomfort and bloating.”
Radhika stressed that she faced “insensitivity” while working on an Indian project. She said, “I was in my first trimester and I was constantly craving food, I was eating a lot, whether it was rice or pasta, and was going through the usual physical changes, but instead of understanding, I faced insensitivity. I was not even allowed to meet the doctor when I was in pain and feeling uneasy on the set. That really frustrated me.”
The Sacred Games actress revealed that the Hollywood filmmaker she was working with had the exact opposite reaction and was very supportive. “The Hollywood film producer I was working with was very supportive. When I told him I was eating more than usual and might look like a completely different person by the end of the shoot, he laughed and said, ‘Don’t worry, it’s okay if you’re a different person by the end of this project because you’re pregnant.’ That reassurance and warmth meant a lot to me,” she said.
Radhika admitted that though she respects professional commitments, it doesn’t mean people can’t show a little sympathy. “I didn’t expect any special treatment after sharing such a personal and joyous news, just kindness and basic humanity,” she said.
Radhika is married to London-based musician Benedict Taylor and lives in London with her baby girl, born in December last year.
