Radhika Apte Opens Up About the Challenges of Motherhood in Bollywood
In a candid revelation, actress Radhika Apte shared her experiences of motherhood, describing it as a tumultuous journey filled with emotional highs and lows. after welcoming her daughter in December, Apte reflected on the physical and mental challenges she faced during pregnancy and the subsequent adjustments to her life and career. She emphasized the difficulties new mothers encounter in the Bollywood industry, where the demands of work often overshadow personal needs.
Apte expressed her frustration with the lack of understanding regarding the unique challenges faced by mothers in the film industry. She noted that while some actors, like Deepika Padukone, have set boundaries on their working hours, the reality for many is that Bollywood often requires long, unpredictable hours-sometimes exceeding 15 hours a day. This relentless schedule, combined with the pressures of makeup and travel, makes it nearly impossible for mothers to balance their professional and personal lives. Radhika is determined to set new conditions in her contracts moving forward, ensuring that her role as a mother is prioritized alongside her career.
She poignantly highlighted the cultural expectations in India, where it is often assumed that fathers can be absent from their children’s lives, while mothers are expected to be present. This societal norm creates additional barriers for women in the industry, making it challenging for them to pursue their careers without sacrificing their roles as mothers. Apte’s insights shed light on the pressing need for a more supportive environment for working mothers in Bollywood, advocating for a shift in how the industry perceives and accommodates the needs of women.
