Recently, the controversy involving star heroine Deepika Padukone and director Sandeep Reddy Vanga became a hot topic in Indian cinema circles, sparking discussions across various media platforms. Reportedly, Deepika set a few demands to sign Spirit when offered the lead actress role, showcasing her commitment to balancing work and motherhood. One of those demands was Deepika asking for an 8-hour shift on the sets of Spirit, so that she could spend quality time with her newborn daughter. Ultimately, the makers couldn’t oblige Deepika’s demands due to scheduling conflicts and project timelines, leading them to replace her with another actress, which has stirred debates about the challenges faced by working mothers in the film industry.
Amidst the Deepika Padukone and Sandeep Reddy Vanga row, Bollywood actress Radhika Apte expressed her thoughts on the experience of working in the Hindi film industry after becoming a mother. She emphasized that the film industry in India is not particularly supportive of working mothers, which can create significant barriers for them. Apte remarked that it is undeniably challenging for women in India to navigate their careers post-motherhood, as they often have to juggle both professional commitments and family responsibilities. This situation highlights the need for more inclusive policies and societal support for mothers in the entertainment sector.
Speaking in a recent interview, Radhika stated, “I realised that how we work in India is just never going to be a possibility for me. Because in India, a normal shift is a minimum of 12 hours. That doesn’t include makeup. So, with hair and makeup, it’s about 13 hours, plus the travel. And no shoot finishes on time. That’s 15 hours plus when it doesn’t finish on time. I’ve shot mostly for 16-18 hours in my career.”
She said that post motherhood, she just cannot do that because if she does, she would never get a chance to see her daughter. “So, I’ve realised that’s impossible. So, I must have different terms in my contracts now, and a lot of people are going to have problems with it.” This shift has led her to prioritize her family life over professional commitments, creating a challenging but necessary balance. She understands that by advocating for her needs, she’s also setting a precedent for other working mothers in similar situations.
Radhika took a break after attaining motherhood and recently came up with the critically acclaimed film, Sister Midnight, which is currently running in theatres. This film showcases her immense talent and unique storytelling ability, captivating audiences and critics alike. Radhika’s return to the industry highlights her dedication to her craft, and it’s clear that her experiences have only enriched her work.