As we know, menstrual hygiene is an issue women have been facing over the years. It's great that the initiative to provide low-cost sanitary napkins has been undertaken. It is an empowering step for many women.
Radhika Apte
Professionalism and punctuality are extremely important, especially in the career path I've chosen. Being on sets, film schedules can be very stringent and tight. They are sometimes at odd hours in various locations. Being there when you're called just ensures that the day starts smoothly.
Even if you are born with a silver spoon, you have to work hard. I mean, you could be offered films on a platter, but if you don't get up in the morning and learn your lines, it is not going to work.
When in doubt, always wear black.
I have never celebrated Valentine's Day in my life.
You get negative comments even if you are not talking. So you can't be scared of negative comments from people.
I am on social media to connect with my fans, but when I'm out on the streets, I don't even wear make-up. I'm in my chappals, on my own, and I like that.
Mentioning the word 'menstruation' has always been a taboo in India. People always shy away from talking about menstruation hygiene, and the awareness about the topic is very dismal.
A lot goes in my mind while choosing a role. Choosing unconventional roles is not a conscious decision. I choose the most exciting and challenging role from the options I have.
I am a very hyper person and always get pre-occupied with something.
The thing is, if one person recognises you and takes a picture, then four other people who don't even know you want to do the same.
If you go to Canada or Los Angeles, you will get to see many South Asians there, but on screens, they are so less in number. It is abnormal not to have much South Asians on screens.
I don't mind doing genre roles as long as they offer me something substantial.
Bollywood is a business more than an art industry. One has to play the game others play to carve your own path.
I do get a lot of offers for endorsing a brand, but for me, the credibility of the brand matters the most.
I do social media largely for work because I want to be a part of different activities. In India, that's how you make money, so I do it as my job.
Gender discrimination is not the only form of discrimination one has to deal with.
I feel art has the power to bind us.
I find it very important to keep learning because, as an actor, you get exhausted. You need more emotion, more experience... you need something to base everything on.
I don't think that independent or off-beat films are not commercial, nor do I want to categorise them. At the end of the day, what matters is how much you compromise to please the masses. But, I am not someone who loves compromising. If there's a lot to give up on things that matter to me, I start losing interest.
My memories mean a lot to me, and I hold them close to my heart.
I am not very ambitious by nature, and movies happened to me by chance.
I think jokes on colour or body shaming shouldn't be made. It's not funny to crack such jokes.
I want to be a part of stories.
'Vetri Selvan' is the first film where I play a conventional romantic role, which I found very challenging.
I did 'Padman' not only because of its social message. I did it because it was a good story.
The conventional idea of beauty is so boring.
Industry is not only driven by talent; it depends upon so many factors. If you need to be successful in this field, one should know how to convert everything into a plus point. If you have a dusky face, make that your plus point.
I don't follow norms in my life. They don't make sense to me. I do whatever I feel or what makes me happy and feels right.
I love to cook and read books.
I did quite a lot of research for 'Phobia' because it's a very sensitive topic, so I couldn't have just faked it.
Playing characters I don't relate to are a big challenge for me.
It is difficult to constantly make courageous choices.
I don't do much for skin. Just drink water, try to get proper sleep, exercise, sweat it out, keep it moisturised, and most importantly, clean. That's basically what I do.
I do believe that laughter is the best medicine - it cures everything.
Look after all those lovely peculiarities in your face, your body, and yourself.
Yes, I will sign a film for the money. Because sometimes you don't have the money to eat, and you have to get work and maintain a lifestyle. Not just actors - I think everybody does that. No job on this planet is about 100 per cent satisfaction. You do some part of the job for money.
I usually take up short films when I am not tied up with feature films. Short films are easier to work on... because it doesn't take much of your time. The number of shoot days are lesser as compared to feature films.
Initially, I did South Indian films because I needed the money; I had a huge student loan that I had to pay off. But I do feel that Marathi, English, and Hindi are what I'm more comfortable with.
For an actor, it is necessary to vegetate and look for inspiration. I get that from travelling, meeting people, and observing things around me. I bring back my energy by gaining different experiences.
I'm game for any kind of roles as long as I find it interesting.
I would like to be part of sensible cinema, irrespective of whether it is a commercial or niche film, but it doesn't always pan out like that.
Wear what feels nice to you, not to impress.
I feel that discrimination and hierarchy is something that people have to face constantly.
If you are an industry kid, the first film is given to you on a platter. However, the pressure and expectations are immense.
I like the sartorial taste of Kangana Ranaut and the effortless style of Ranveer Singh.
When I was really young, I was obsessed with Bollywood. Then I got exposed to world cinema, and I wanted to be a part of it. Then I was exposed to theatre, and I only wanted to do theatre.
Though I have achieved a little bit in my career, I have to continue working hard.
I do films because there is an audience out there. It doesn't matter if they're Indian, American, or European.
It is extremely important for one to face their fears and live a bold life.
