Radhika Apte reflected on how the depiction of women in classic Bollywood romances influenced her more profoundly than she initially understood. She mentioned
that the beauty ideals and behaviors she observed on screen contributed to her own insecurities during her college years. Apte stressed that artists cannot separate themselves from the broader societal impact their creations entail. With Influence, Comes Responsibility: Radhika Apte In a special interview with Zoom, the Saali Mohabbat actress highlighted that cinema and cricket wield significant influence in India, making it essential for public figures to acknowledge the weight of their influence. "In this country, whether you agree or not, cricket and cinema are the two most prominent aspects, right? They serve as a source of inspiration for many. So, whether you like it or not, you possess considerable influence. It doesn't matter if you're a minor actor like me or a major star; influence is there, and with it comes responsibility. You can't just speak without thought. People's lives can be shaped by the small things you say or choose not to say, because mine certainly was. I experienced many highs and lows due to the actors and actresses I looked up to, and I felt I was truly a reflection of that," the actress expressed. Radhika Apte SLAMS Representation Of Women In Bollywood She continued, "Throughout my college years, I constantly believed I wasn't attractive and that my body wasn't right, all because I didn't conform to many standards... The entire trend of romantic films where rejecting boys was seen as trendy and being pursued was celebrated, all of that, and the way women were portrayed—it impacted me significantly, and I was part of that narrative. Fortunately, you eventually start to question everything and realize it's all nonsense, but it does leave a lasting impression. Therefore, I believe there's a certain responsibility you hold, and you cannot dissociate yourself from political matters."
She clarified that politics extends beyond just elections or political parties. It encompasses daily life, societal dynamics, your thoughts, and the responsibilities you bear in that context.
