With her brave choice of scripts, Radhika Apte has proved that she is not an actor running after box office numbers but believes in harnessing her craft. She has time and again chosen high-impact roles in critically acclaimed projects such as Lust Stories, Padman, Sacred Games, Andhadhun, and Monica, O My Darling. Her strong performances in small-budget, non-theatrical projects also claimed her the title of “Queen Of OTT”.
Among some lesser known facts about Radhika Apte include that she has earned dual degrees in mathematics and economics from Fergusson College in Pune. Radhika can speak many languages such as Marathi, English, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam. Moreover, she studied Kathak for eight years under the mentorship of legendary dancer Rohini Bhate and has received training in modern dance at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London.
As Radhika Apte celebrates her 39th birthday today, let us have a look at the 10 best movies and web series of the actress.
- ParchedParched is a story about women set in rural Rajasthan, India. It traces the bittersweet tale of four ordinary women Rani, Lajjo, Bijli, and Janaki as they deal with, and later break out from the shackles of a patriarchal society. Apte’s performance was widely acclaimed as Lajo and the film remains witness to her unique choices.
- Lust StoriesRadhika features in the first movie directed by Anurag Kashyap in this popular Netflix anthology. Apte plays Kalindi, a college professor, who is exploring the travails of an open marriage. Radhika’s natural portrayal in this movie makes this a favourite of her roles among fans.
- Monica, O My DarlingRadhika in the role of a cop is a visual treat for fans, as she brings out a distinct flavour to her character. This is one of the roles through which she proves that in cinema, less in more.
- Sacred GamesRadhika, has a natural flair for playing cop roles, with her bold and confident acting style. Radhika Apte plays RAW agent Anjali Mathur, who has to play a fierce cat and mouse in this gritty crime thriller.
- AndhadhunThis black comedy featuring Ayushmann Khurrana, Tabu, and Radhika is one of the most unique movies ever seen in Bollywood. Radhika plays a significant role in the movie, her portrayal adding to the film’s brilliance.
- Mrs UndercoverHelmed by Anushree Mehta, Mrs Undercover is the story of an undercover agent Durga (Radhika Apte) who receives a mission of tracking down a mysterious serial killer whose actions have rattled the entire nation. With humour and grit, this is the latest evidence of Radhika’s acting ability.
- Manjhi- The Mountain ManOver the years, Radhika by dint of her strong acting performances has worked alongside the most talented directors and costars. Radhika Apte played the role of the wife of Dashrath Manjhi, an ordinary man who carved a path through a hill with a hammer and chisel.
- PadmanThis social drama film is based on the life of real-life social activist Arunachalam Muruganantham who broke taboos around menstruation by inventing low-cost sanitary pads for his wife and other women in the village. The movie starring Akshay Kumar and Radhika Apte went on to win the National Film Award for Best Film on social issues.
- BadlapurDirected by the most talented thriller director Sriram, Badlapur revolves around Ragh, a man who loses his family during a ban robbery. In her own words, Badlapur became a turning point in her career as her performance was widely loved by the audience in this popular film.
- Raat Akeli HaiThis Netflix thriller marks another collaboration of Radhika with Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The story around a police officer who is assigned the mysterious murder case of an elderly man. Radhika has delivered another strong performance here as a widow.
Radhika Apte’s Upcoming Movies
Radhika Apte has been away from the movie business for some time. She was last seen in Mrs Undercover. Radhika’s film Sister Midnight opened to rave reviews at the 77th Cannes Film Festival this year with Film Companion calling her performance ‘Phenomenal’.
As per previous reports, Radhika Apte may headline a new series titled Akka which will be made by Yash Raj Films’ streaming production arm YRF Entertainment along with actor Actors Keerthy Suresh. According to Variety, the ‘revenge thriller’ will be written by Dharmaraj Shetty. However, an official confirmation from the makers is expected on the project.