Unconventional Star

Radhika makes for the perfect cover girl; she’s cool and composed, and poses for the camera like a pro. The fierce and feisty actress is a firm believer in the concept of a healthy mind, body and soul connect. From the time she stepped on to the set till the time we sat down for the interview, it was one happy, smooth-sailing ride. Radhika is not your regular celebrity who comes with her coterie of fussy managers, overstressed stylists and ludicrous demands. But rather she is just like us, who believes in being her unapologetic self, be it in reel or real life. Catch the conversation as she talks about her unexpected journey in Bollywood, keeping the audience on their toes, and her greatest indulgences while maintaining her fitness regimen. Edited excerpts…

Having trained under Kathak exponent Rohini Bhate for eight years, after which you also studied contemporary dance at London’s Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance for a year; you truly are a multi-faceted artist. What is it about the art of dance that calls to you?

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I have loved to dance since childhood, having learnt Kathak, Flamenco, Contemporary Dance and Kalaripayattu. I also used to do karate, so there has always been some or the other form of martial arts or dance in my life and I just do it for my own pleasure. I think, it anyway, helps me as an actor a lot - to be able to understand my body better, understand movement and space.

From a stint in Vaah! Life Ho TohAisi! to film marvels such as Parched, Manjhi: The Mountain Man, Kabali and Andhadhun. You have earned a lot of critical acclaim for your performances. Which are the roles you look back at with pride and satisfaction?

Every role has given me something or the other. I recall, the first film I did - Gho Mala Asla Hava and Antaheen were big stepping stones for me in this industry. I remember all of the films which I have done till date with fond memories, be it - Shor In The City, Parched, Phobia, Badlapur, Andhadhun, Padman, Clean Shaven, Lust Stories, Ghoul, Sacred Games and even Kabali which gave me an opportunity to work with superstar Rajinikanth.

You have been quite prolific in recent times on various platforms, from regional and multi-lingual films to web series like Sacred Games. Do you think that Bollywood is going through its best phase ever? What’s next to come according to you?

No, I don’t think that Bollywood is currently going through its best phase. Things constantly change, and at the moment, with the digital revolution, I think the world has become an inter-connected whole where we are inspired day in and day out by content made globally. People get bored of watching the same thing over and over again, the new generation has far more exposure.

Having said that, we still have a long way to go, as we always do in art. There still needs to be better and roles and characters for women, there has to be more diversity, more parts for people with different skin tones and inclusive scripts, so there is still a long way to go.

Bollywood and other film industries in India have been criticised of not writing good roles for women. And with the recent box-office success of women-centric cinema, do you think the viewership towards an actress’s potential is changing now?

When we speak of female acting marvels of Madhuri Dixit, Smita Patel or Shabana Azmi, back in the day these women used to really stand out for their performances and the roles that they took up. We still talk about them today and compare ourselves with them, but really they’ve set the bar really high. But a change and a much needed change is to be seen in the industry where women actors not only rule the big screens but also the hearts of the audiences.

It is clear that you are a non-conformist when it comes to your choice in picking out scripts; which often gravitates from Indian cinema to International borders, how do you find time to seek inspiration for your next role?

I think inspiration has to be found within the material instinct. When you read something and you feel that its different, its challenging, and that it is going to make you grow as a person and an actor, that is the time when you just want to get up and give it your best shot.

One of the key elements for staying consistent with working out is accountability. Who keeps you accountable for working out consistently? Also what current fitness goals are you focusing towards at the moment?

Consistency is definitely key in my fitness regimen, but if I would have compared it with anything else then I would say that consistency and focus is important for almost anything in life. I also feel that we have complicated our everyday lives with unnecessary luxuries of taking an auto till the grocery store instead of walking down to it, or taking the elevator instead of the stairs if we stay on the 3rd or 4th floor. These small and organic steps are what count in the end eventually.

You have sworn by eating right and eating healthy through and through. Does your schedule ever devoid you of cheating on your diet? How do manage to retain a healthy lifestyle in the hectic demands of the industry?

Of course, I cheat a lot in my diet, in fact, cheating is a part in my diet. Being a foody, I can’t just follow one diet and deprive myself of having what I like. I have a massive sweet tooth but I believe in eating in moderation. Although, when I am on a holiday I don’t keep any boundaries, at that time I eat whatever I like and later I shed the weight, exercise, and eat in moderation.

We have seen you successfully avoiding junk food, even while you’re away on a beach vacation and opting for fresh fruits and veggies. At what age or stage of your life did fitness become a major part of your lifestyle?

I don’t avoid junk food, necessarily (laughs). On holidays, I end up eating a lot of junk food, but normally, I am healthy eater with a sweet tooth; I need a lot of cake, ice-cream and croissants which is not sweet but it is my weakness. I think fitness has become far more important in this day and age, when you realise, you need to work out to keep your metabolism going.

Tell us something about your upcoming projects.

I’m doing a noir murder mystery film called Raat Akeli Hai. Then I am also doing a mini-series which is based on robotics and sci-fi, and I am also, all set to feature alongside actor Charlie Hunnam in Apple TV’s upcoming series Shantaram, based on Gregory David Roberts’ bestselling India-set novel of the same name.

How was your experience of shooting with FHM India?

We had a great day shooting at Holiday Inn, and I really enjoyed the shoot.

Quick Favourites

• Outdoor Smell? The first rain
• Workout? Swimming
• TV rerun you could watch 50 times? F.R.I.E.N.D.S and The Office (British Version)
• Cartoon Character? Tom & Jerry
• Pre-Workout Smoothie? Almond milk, coco powder, banana, dates and a pinch of cinnamon powder.
• Comfort Food? Khichdi

Rapid Fire

• Describe yourself in 3 words. Ordinary human being
• If you could bust one fitness myth, what would it be? That you can’t eat whatever you like, in order to stay fit.
• How do you keep on motivating yourself towards a fitter and better version? Well, there isn’t any two way about it. You need to remain focused and always get inspired by others around you.
• What does your daily workout session look like? I either run, do yoga, skipping or swimming.
• What fitness advice would you give your 20 year old self? Please try to exercise regularly, without massive gaps.
• How does someone instantaneously get on your good side? Through common sense, kindness and sense of humour.
• When was the last time you tried a new form of workout, and what was it? Recently , I was introduced to a new form of workout by my friend, Maya Sarao. I don’t really know the what it is called, but enjoyed the session and would go for it again.
• What life lesson did you learn the hard way? There are many things that unfold with each phase in our lives and every bit of it has a new teaching engraved within it.

What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear…

• Nirvana? Impossible for me
• Magazines? Scintillating
• Fame? Overrated
• Romance? Way of life
• Passion? Good food
• Bliss? My job

From the March 2020 issue of FHM India.