Radhika Apte Biography
Radhika Apte, born on September 7, 1985, is an accomplished Indian actress renowned for her versatility across various film industries including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Marathi. Notably, she holds the distinction of being the first Indian actress to receive a nomination for the International Emmy Award.
Apte’s journey into acting began with theatre, eventually transitioning to the silver screen with a minor role in the fantasy drama “Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi!” in 2005. Her breakthrough came with the lead role in the Bengali social drama “Antaheen” in 2009. However, it was her supporting roles in multiple 2015 Bollywood films including “Badlapur,” “Hunterrr,” and “Manjhi – The Mountain Man” that garnered significant attention.
The year 2016 marked a turning point in Apte’s career with her leading performances in independent films like “Phobia” and “Parched,” earning her critical acclaim. Subsequently, she made a remarkable mark in the digital space with three Netflix productions in 2018: the anthology film “Lust Stories,” the thriller series “Sacred Games,” and the horror mini-series “Ghoul,” earning her an International Emmy Award nomination.
Beyond independent cinema, Apte has showcased her talent in mainstream films, featuring prominently in successful ventures such as the Tamil action film “Kabali” (2016), the Hindi biographical film “Pad Man” (2018), and the Hindi black comedy “Andhadhun” (2018).
In her personal life, Apte has been married to London-based musician Benedict Taylor since 2012. Her contributions to cinema, spanning across different genres and languages, have solidified her position as one of the most versatile and accomplished actresses in the Indian film industry.
Early life
Radhika Apte was born on September 7, 1985, in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, into a Marathi Brahmin family. Her parents, who were doctors at the Christian Medical College & Hospital in Vellore at the time of her birth, later moved to Pune where her father became a prominent neurosurgeon and chairman of Sahyadri Hospital. Apte pursued her education in Economics and Mathematics at Fergusson College in Pune. During her time in Pune, she initially attended a regular school before being homeschooled along with four friends by their parents who shared the building. This unconventional schooling experience instilled confidence in her.
While in Pune, Apte also trained in Kathak under the guidance of Rohini Bhate for eight years. Her involvement in theater during this period sparked her interest in acting, leading her to Mumbai to pursue a career in films. However, her initial experience in Mumbai was discouraging, prompting her to return to Pune. Despite facing challenges such as low pay from theater roles and difficulties with accommodation, she persevered and made her acting debut in the Marathi film “Gho Mala Asala Hawa” in 2009, followed by roles in films like “Rakta Charitra,” “Rakta Charitra 2,” and “I Am.
After her brief stint in Mumbai, Apte made a spontaneous decision to study contemporary dance at London’s Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance for a year. Her time in London proved to be transformative, exposing her to new professional opportunities and experiences. It was during this period that she met her future husband, Benedict, who eventually relocated to Pune with her. After initially resisting the idea of returning to Mumbai, Apte eventually moved back, finding her second stint in the city to be more positive and fulfilling.
Career
Early roles (2005–10)
Radhika Apte began her acting journey in 2005 with a minor role in the Hindi film “Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi!” while she was still in college. This project was more of a recreational endeavor for her. However, it was actor Rahul Bose who noticed her talent during her performance in Anahita Oberoi’s play “Bombay Black” and recommended her to director Aniruddha Roy Chowdhury. Consequently, she landed a role in Chowdhury’s Bengali film “Antaheen,” which won the National Award. In “Antaheen,” she portrayed the character of Brinda Roy Menon, a TV journalist. Her performance garnered praise, with Riddhima Seal from The Times of India describing her as a “revelation” for her ability to convey emotions through her eyes.
In 2009, Apte made her debut in Indian cinema with KBC Productions’ “Gho Mala Asla Hava,” directed by Sumitra Bhave and Sunil Sukthankar, where she played the role of Savitri, a village girl. She continued her collaboration with Bhave and Sukthankar in the Hindi docufiction “Mor Dekhne Jungle Mein.” During the same year, she worked on projects like Jatin Wagle’s “Ek Indian Manoos,” Akash Khurana’s “Life Online,” which depicted the lives of youngsters in a BPO, and Amol Palekar’s “Samaantar.”
In 2010, Apte appeared in Maneej Premnath’s thriller “The Waiting Room” and gained attention for her significant role in Ram Gopal Varma’s “Rakta Charitra” and its sequel. Despite her growing success, she faced body shaming in the industry, being told she was too overweight for a major Hindi film role after returning from London.
Breakthrough and rise to prominence (2011–present)
Radhika Apte’s journey from 2011 onwards has been marked by a series of notable roles across various languages and genres, propelling her to prominence in Indian cinema. Here’s a breakdown of her significant works during this period:
2011-2012: Early Works and Recognition
- Apte appeared in films like “I Am” and “Shor in the City,” showcasing her versatility.
- She collaborated with the Bhave-Sukthankar duo for “Ha Bharat Majha,” a film inspired by Anna Hazare’s movement.
- Her performance in “Dhoni,” her debut Tamil film, earned her a nomination for the SIIMA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.
2013-2014: Diverse Roles
- Apte ventured into Bengali cinema with “Rupkatha Noy,” portraying a complex character.
- She featured in multiple releases across languages, including Bengali, Telugu, and Tamil, displaying her range as an actor.
- Films like “Legend” and “Lai Bhaari” emerged as commercial successes, establishing her presence in the Marathi film industry.
2015: Breakthrough Year
- Apte gained widespread recognition with her roles in six feature films within the first eight months.
- Despite minor roles in some films like “Badlapur,” she garnered acclaim for her performances, especially in “Hunterrr,” where she received praise for her realistic portrayal.
- Both “Badlapur” and “Hunterrr” contributed to her rising popularity in Bollywood, earning her the title of the “latest sensation” and the “new constant” in Indian cinema.
2016-2017: Continued Success
- Apte’s success continued with critically acclaimed projects like “Manjhi – The Mountain Man” and “Kabali,” where her performances received positive feedback.
- She showcased her versatility by portraying diverse characters across different genres and languages.
2018: Pad Man and Directorial Debut
- Apte starred alongside Akshay Kumar in “Pad Man,” a comedy-drama based on menstrual hygiene awareness, delivering a notable performance.
- She made her directorial debut with “The Sleepwalkers,” earning recognition at the Palm Springs International ShortFest.
Upcoming Projects
- Apte has several promising projects in the pipeline, including Hindi and Tamil films, showcasing her commitment to exploring varied roles and expanding her creative horizons.
Throughout this period, Apte’s dedication to her craft and her ability to inhabit diverse characters have solidified her position as one of the most talented and sought-after actors in Indian cinema.
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Theatre
Apte is deeply involved in theater and has contributed to numerous stage productions, predominantly in Hindi. She is closely associated with Mohit Takalkar’s theater group, Aasakta Kalamanch, in her hometown. Her repertoire includes performances in plays such as “Tu,” “Purnaviram,” “Matra Ratra,” and Samuel Beckett’s “That Time,” alongside Rehan Engineer. Additionally, she has showcased her talent in commercial productions like the Hindi play “Kanyadaan” and the English play “Bombay Black.”
In 2013, she featured in the Indian adaptation of Girish Karnad’s “Benda Kaalu on Toast,” titled “Uney Purey Shahar Ek.” Apte has expressed her interest in exploring English theater further, including plans to participate in a play in London. She has voiced a preference for experimental theater, indicating her inclination towards innovative and unconventional artistic endeavors.
Short films
Radhika Apte has appeared in several short films, showcasing her versatility across various roles. In “Darmiyan,” she portrayed the character Ekta, a college girl. Another notable short film is “Vakratunda Swaha,” directed by Ashish Avikunthak, which was filmed over a span of 12 years. In Anurag Kashyap’s “That Day After Everyday,” which premiered on YouTube in 2012, she took on one of the lead roles, addressing the issue of eve-teasing. Furthermore, she starred as the titular character in Sujoy Ghosh’s 2015 Bengali short film “Ahalya.”
Personal life
In 2011, Apte crossed paths with Benedict Taylor in London during her year-long sabbatical, where she was immersing herself in contemporary dance. Director Sarang Sathaye, a friend of Radhika, disclosed in October 2012 that the two had been cohabiting for quite some time. He mentioned that they had a registered marriage a month prior to the official ceremony, which was supposedly scheduled for March 2013.
Apte has been vocal about addressing sexual harassment within the Indian film industry. She has lent her support to the MeToo movement in India, expressing optimism about its potential to enact change if significant industry figures participate.
In the media
These quotes and accolades paint Radhika Apte as a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry. She’s lauded as a “powerhouse performer” by Tanisha Bhattacharya of Filmfare, indicating her prowess on screen. Natasha Dsouza of Femina describes her as “happy-go-lucky” and “outspoken,” highlighting both her personality and her willingness to speak her mind. Huzan Tata of Verve sees her as a “poster girl for regional and art-house cinema,” suggesting her versatility and impact beyond mainstream Bollywood. Nihit Bhave of Hindustan Times emphasizes her willingness to take on unconventional roles, suggesting her commitment to her craft over commercial considerations.
Her rankings in Rediff.com’s “Best Bollywood Actresses” list over the years further underscore her consistent acclaim and recognition within the industry. Additionally, being described as one of the highest-paid actors on OTT platforms indicates her prominence and marketability in the digital streaming space. Moreover, her endorsements for various brands showcase her appeal beyond the realm of acting, as she’s also recognized as a sought-after figure in the advertising world.
Filmography
Films
here’s the list of Radhika Apte’s films
| Year | Title | Role | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Merry Christmas | Rosie | Hindi | Cameo |
| 2024 | Merry Christmas | Rosie | Tamil | Cameo |
| 2023 | Mrs Undercover | Durga | Hindi | |
| 2022 | Forensic | SI Megha Sharma | Hindi | |
| 2022 | Vikram Vedha | Priya | Hindi | |
| 2022 | Monica, O My Darling | ACP Vijayashanti Naidu | Hindi | |
| 2020 | Raat Akeli Hai | Radha | Hindi | |
| 2019 | Bombairiya | Meghna | Hindi | |
| 2019 | Chithiram Pesuthadi 2 | Durga | Tamil | |
| 2019 | The Wedding Guest | Samira | English | |
| 2019 | The Ashram | Gayatri | English | |
| 2019 | A Call to Spy | Noor Inayat Khan | English | |
| 2018 | Pad Man | Gayatri Chauhan | Hindi | |
| 2018 | Lust Stories | Kalindi | Hindi | Anurag Kashyap’s segment; also co-writer |
| 2018 | Andhadhun | Sophie | Hindi | |
| 2018 | Baazaar | Priya Rai | Hindi | |
| 2017 | Madly | Archana | Hindi | Segment: “Clean Shaven” |
| 2016 | Parched | Lajjo | Hindi | |
| 2016 | Phobia | Mehak Deo | Hindi | |
| 2016 | Kabali | Kumudhavalli | Tamil | |
| 2015 | Badlapur | Kanchan “Koko” | Hindi | |
| 2015 | Haram | Isha | Malayalam | |
| 2015 | Hunterrr | Tripti Gokhale | Hindi | |
| 2015 | Lion | Sarayu | Telugu | |
| 2015 | Manjhi – The Mountain Man | Phaguniya | Hindi | |
| 2015 | Kaun Kitne Paani Mein | Paro | Hindi | |
| 2015 | The Bright Day | Rukmini | Hindi | |
| 2015 | X: Past Is Present | Rija | Hindi | Segment: “Biryani” |
| 2014 | Pendulum | Nandita | Bengali | |
| 2014 | Legend | Radhika | Telugu | |
| 2014 | Postcard | Gulzar | Marathi | |
| 2014 | Vetri Selvan | Sujatha | Tamil | |
| 2014 | Lai Bhaari | Kavita | Marathi | |
| 2013 | Rupkatha Noy | Sananda | Bengali | |
| 2013 | All in All Azhagu Raja | Meenakshi | Tamil | |
| 2012 | Dhoni | Nalini | Tamil | Bilingual film |
| 2012 | Dhoni | Nalini | Telugu | Bilingual film |
| 2012 | Ha Bharat Maza | Unknown | Marathi | |
| 2012 | Tukaram | Aavli | Marathi | |
| 2011 | I Am | Natasha | Hindi | Segment: “Abhimanyu” |
| 2011 | Shor in the City | Sapna | Hindi | |
| 2010 | The Waiting Room | Tina | Hindi | |
| 2010 | Rakta Charitra | Nandini | Telugu | Bilingual film |
| 2010 | Rakta Charitra | Nandini | Hindi | Bilingual film |
| 2010 | Rakta Charitra 2 | Nandini | Telugu | Bilingual film |
| 2010 | Rakta Charitra 2 | Nandini | Hindi | Bilingual film |
| 2009 | Antaheen | Brinda | Bengali | |
| 2009 | Samaantar | Rewa | Marathi | |
| 2009 | Gho Mala Asla Hava | Savitri | Marathi | |
| 2005 | Vaah! Life Ho Toh Aisi! | Anjali | Hindi | |
| TBA | System Midnight † | TBA | English | Completed |
Television
List of Radhika Apte television
| Year | Title | Role | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Stories by Rabindranath Tagore | Binodini | Hindi | Episode: “Chokher Bali” |
| TV drama |
Web Series
List of Radhika Apte web series
| Year | Title | Role | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Sacred Games | Anjali Mathur | Hindi | Season 1 |
| Ghoul | Nida Rahim | Hindi/English | ||
| 2021 | OK Computer | Laxmi Suri | Hindi | |
| 2023 | Made in Heaven | Pallavi Menke | Hindi | Season 2 |
Theatre
list of Radhika Apte’s theatrical
| Year | Production | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Nako Re Baba | ||
| 2003 | Pan Amhala Khelayachay | Marathi | |
| 2003 | Brain Surgeon | English | British play |
| 2006 | Shobha Yatra | Marathi | |
| 2006 | Tu | Marathi | |
| 2007 | That Time | English | British play |
| 2007 | Poornaviram | Marathi | |
| 2007 | Kanyadaan | Marathi | |
| 2007 | Matra Ratra | ||
| 2008 | Bombay Black | ||
| 2009 | Garbo | ||
| 2009 | Kashmir Kashmir | English | |
| 2013 | Uney Purey Shahar Ek | Marathi |
Awards and nominations
list of Radhika Apte’s accolades:
| Year | Awards | Category | Film | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Screen Award | Best Female Debut | Rakta Charitra | Nominated |
| 2012 | Vijay Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Dhoni | Nominated |
| South Indian International Movie Awards | Best Supporting Actress – Telugu | Nominated | ||
| 2015 | Stardust Award | Best Supporting Actress | Badlapur | Nominated |
| Producers Guild Film Awards | Best Actress in a Supporting Role | Nominated | ||
| Stardust Award | Performer of the Year – Female | Manjhi – The Mountain Man | Nominated | |
| 2016 | Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles | Best Actress | Parched | Won |
| Indian Film Festival of Melbourne | Best Actress | Nominated | ||
| 2017 | Tribeca Film Festival Award | Best Actress in an International Feature Film | Madly | Won |
| 2018 | International Emmy Awards | Best Actress | Lust Stories | Nominated |
| Screen Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Andhadhun | Nominated | |
| 2019 | IIFA Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Nominated | |
| Zee Cine Awards | Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Female | Nominated | ||
| iReel Awards | Best Breakthrough Artist | Won | ||
| 2020 | Palm Springs International Festival of Short Film | Best Midnight Shorts | The Sleepwalkers | Nominated |
| Filmfare OTT Awards | Best Actor Female – Web Originals | Raat Akeli Hai | Nominated | |
| 2022 | Pinkvilla Style Icons Awards | Super Stylish Universal Star | Nominated | |
| Lokmat Stylish Awards | Most Stylish OTT Star | Won | ||
| Filmfare OTT Awards | Best Actor Female – Web Originals | Forensic | Nominated | |
| 2023 | IIFA Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Monica, O My Darling | Nominated |
| Filmfare OTT Awards | Best Supporting Actress (Web Original Film) | Nominated |