Radhika Apte says ‘insensitive' Indian producer reacted to pregnancy news coldly, didn't allow her to see doctor: ‘Forced me to wear tight clothes'

Indian Express

6 days ago

Radhika Apte has openly spoken about her difficult pregnancy and how she struggled to accept her body and the weight gain during and after the experience. While she was dealing with her own challenges, the film industry didn't make things any easier. In a recent interaction, Radhika shared the stark contrast in empathy and understanding she witnessed between an Indian producer and an international filmmaker — while the Indian producer reacted 'coldly' to her pregnancy news, the international filmmaker offered her support and compassion.
Speaking during Neha Dhupia's Freedom to Feed live session, Radhika said, 'An Indian producer I was working with wasn't happy about the news. He responded coldly and even insisted I wear tight-fitting clothes despite my discomfort and bloating.'
Radhika emphasised that she was met with 'insensitivity' while working on an Indian project. 'I was in my first trimester and had constant cravings, I was eating a lot, be it rice or pasta and going through the usual physical changes, but instead of understanding, I was met with insensitivity. I wasn't even allowed to see a doctor when I was in pain and feeling uneasy on set. That truly disheartened me,' she said.
The Sacred Games actor shared how the reaction of the Hollywood filmmaker she was working with was exactly the opposite and how he was quite supportive. 'The Hollywood filmmaker I was working with was so supportive. When I mentioned 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, even if you're another person by the end of this project, it's fine. Because you're pregnant.' That reassurance and warmth meant the world to me,' she said.
Radhika admitted that though she respects professional commitments, that doesn't mean people can't show a little empathy. 'I wasn't expecting special treatment, just kindness and basic humanity after sharing such a personal and joyous piece of news,' she said.
Radhika is married to London-based musician Benedict Taylor and lives in London with their baby girl, born in December last year.