‘You Don’t Often See A How-Dunnit’: Radhika Apte Explains What Makes Saali Mohabbat Different | Exclusive

Radhika Apte, who headlines Tisca Chopra’s upcoming psychological thriller Saali Mohabbat, has spoken in detail about collaborating with an actor-turned-director and how that shared background shaped the creative process on set. In exclusive quotes to News18 Showsha, the actor described the experience as both freeing and deeply collaborative.

Talking about Tisca Chopra’s directorial approach, Radhika said having a director who understands the actor’s inner world made a significant difference, “It’s a big advantage having an actor who is now a director, because they already know the challenges of acting, so you don’t have to explain to them. You’re talking on a different level.”

She also acknowledged that the transition from actor to director can

come with its own challenges, “But I also think it takes a lot for the director, because having acted for so long, they have an idea of how they want to portray a certain character, and it can be really difficult, I’m guessing, to let go of how they feel the character should be.”

Radhika added that Chopra struck a rare balance between clarity and creative freedom, “I think Tisca was really generous in that way. She would explain and tell me what she wanted, and then she really gave me the freedom to play the character how I wanted to, and found a good balance where she got what she needed.”

‘It Was Always Very Funny On Set’: Radhika On Her Dynamic With Divyenndu

In Saali Mohabbat, Radhika shares an intense on-screen dynamic with Divyenndu. Off screen, however, the atmosphere was far lighter, she revealed, “It was always very funny on set; we really got along.”

Praising Divyenndu’s craft, Radhika said she found working with him creatively stimulating, “I think he’s a fantastic actor — very nuanced, very creative — and watching him was a lot of fun.”

She recalled moments where the performances themselves became a source of joy, “There were lots of times we’d just crack up watching each other perform, so it was quite nice.”

A Quiet, Introverted Character Unlike Anything She’s Played Before

Known for portraying strong, outspoken women on screen, Radhika admitted that Saali Mohabbat presented her with a very different emotional rhythm, “I think the difference between other characters I’ve played and this one is that she is very, very quiet and very introverted, and I don’t think I’ve played a character like that before.”

Describing the character’s stillness, she added, “There’s a certain stillness to her — she can sit for hours in the garden in one place and do something — and she doesn’t really require a lot from the outside.”

For Radhika, this internalised presence was unfamiliar territory, “I don’t think I’ve played someone like that before.”

Being A ‘Manish Malhotra Heroine’ In An Unconventional Way

Saali Mohabbat also marks Manish Malhotra’s debut as an OTT producer — a collaboration that Radhika says left a lasting impression, “I have to say I love Manish. I love him as a human being — I really do.”

She praised Malhotra for his fairness and care on set, “He took such good care of people. He’s one of the very rare people in the industry who is fair, and I really appreciate that about him.”

Despite her character not being traditionally glamorous, Malhotra’s involvement was deeply thoughtful, “There was a running joke on set because the clothes weren’t fashionable, so he would say, ‘How many times do I have to wash this to make it look worn?’”

Radhika recalled being struck by the attention to detail, “But even in those simple clothes, everything was so thought-through. I remember thinking, Oh, this is so pretty, that is so pretty.”

Reflecting on his influence, she added, “The aesthetic of the film really resonates with who Manish is and what he believes in.”

For Radhika, the collaboration also carried a sense of nostalgia, “I’ve grown up watching films like Rangeela, where he designed the clothes, thinking, Whoa, what is this! So, you know, it’s like a dream come true.”

Why Saali Mohabbat Stands Apart From Other Thrillers

Addressing the flood of crime dramas and whodunnits on streaming platforms, Radhika explained what sets Saali Mohabbat apart, “You don’t often see a how-dunnit on screen.”

She emphasised the film’s quieter, more immersive tone, “Look at us — we’re all watching really loud films at the moment. This is a very, very different film.”

Describing the film’s pacing and mood, she said, “It’s very quiet; it’s truly an investigation, and it will pull you in very slowly. It’s a very different film and unique in itself.”

‘Childcare, Childcare, And Childcare’: Life Beyond Acting

Away from film sets, Radhika says her life currently revolves around motherhood, “At the moment, I’m only doing childcare, childcare, and childcare.”

While exhausting, she described the phase as deeply fulfilling, “It’s been very hectic and tiring, but very rewarding at the same time.”

She added that she feels no sense of missing out professionally, “I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything, because they grow so fast and I don’t want to miss out on that. So I’m very happy — that’s it!”