Directing is scary, but it’s equally rewarding: Radhika Apte
15/04/2021
As an actress, she has essayed several characters that are off the beaten path. Last year, Radhika Apte turned writer-filmmaker with the short film, The Sleepwalkers, which featured Shahana Goswami and Gulshan Devaiah.
Talking about what led her to write and direct, Radhika says, “I had never thought of making films. There was no such plan. I just had the urge to write because sometimes you want to create content that challenges you.
Roles that come your way are not necessarily from the space that you want them to come from. I just wanted to write something that interested me. There are things that I passionately want to do. When I bounced off the story to Honey Trehan and Abhishek Chaubey, they decided to make it. I had 10 days for the prep and shoot.
When I finished writing, I realised I didn’t want to act in it, but I wanted to direct it. And, I absolutely loved the process.”
Radhika shares, “As a director, the responsibility on your shoulders is huge. Someone has put in their money, which they could lose because you didn’t do your job well. So, directing is scary, but it’s equally rewarding.”
Radhika, while talking about her decision to direct, says, “There is a lot to learn. I feel grateful for the work that came to me in all these years as an actress, but a lot of it was not really challenging.
The things that I enjoyed were done within a matter of a few days. I was also tired of getting these tiny roles in films led by other actors. I wanted something that I could sink my teeth into for longer. I love to work, and I want to go on. I felt I was creative in my own way.
So, now I am trying to write more, and I will make something again when I am happy with the material I create.” When asked if she plans to write or direct a film or a web series or stick to the short-film format, Radhika says, “I have never had plans to write a feature.
Until I feel I have a script worth making, I won’t. There’s no pressure. I want to make something again, but it will depend on the idea. I will not decide on the format before I zero in on the concept.”
After spending a large part of 2020 in London, Radhika is now back in India for her upcoming film. The actress has recently shot her next film in Kolkata. Given how difficult the health situation is, one can’t help but ask how the experience has been.
Radhika shares, “The experience was the same, except that we do frequent tests, we take a lot of precautions and follow health and safety protocols. Other than that, everything else is pretty much the same.”
Share This Story |
|
Comment On This Story |
|
|
|
|