I am not prone to mentioning Zodiac signs when speaking of people, but Cosmo covergirl Radhika Apte is a quintessential Virgo in so many ways. Decidedly practical, by her own admission, yet delightfully liberal and romantic in her views on life, love, and work, Radhika is a curious mix of polarities that make her ever so intriguing. Perhaps that is what has caught the eye of cinephiles across the world… Her performance in The Wedding Guest [2018] won her praise from the legendary critic Roger Ebert (who himself won the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism); Best Actor for Parched [2016]; and a slew of nominations, from Badlapur [2015] to Lust Stories [2018], Andhadhun [2019], and more. Not to mention the reigning title of ‘OTT Queen’ that was bestowed upon her last year (“You know, I have done far more films than OTT shows… I don’t think there’s any statistical backing to support this perception,” she announces, sincerely).
But returning to the Virgoism (which is not an actual term; full disclosure): there’s an honesty with which Radhika speaks in her conversation with Cosmo; a candour that rests on both simplicity and a sense of inherent power. It is, perhaps, what has made her a favourite on-screen, but more so, what helped her take risks that paid off. In this special chat, Radhika reveals what makes her tick, how she has come to love her body, her views on love, and the lessons she has learnt along the way.
Cosmo: What were you like as a child?
“I was a regular, middle class girl. I
