Actress Radhika Apte has opened up about her experience working in South Indian cinema and explained why she gradually stepped away from the industry. In a recent interview, the actor questioned the perceived preference for fair-skinned actresses from North India over talented South Indian women, raising concerns about representation, language and casting choices.
With a career spanning nearly two decades, Radhika has worked across Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and other film industries. She has been part of several South Indian projects, including Vetri Selvan, Rajinikanth’s Kabali and Lion. Her last South Indian film, Chithiram Pesuthadi 2, was released in 2019, several years after she had filmed for it.
Radhika Apte Questions Casting Preferences in South Indian Cinema
Speaking to News18, Radhika shared her perception that North Indian actresses were sometimes chosen for South Indian films because of their fairer skin. She questioned why filmmakers did not give more opportunities to actresses from the region itself.
“I could be wrong but in my perception, north Indian actresses were cast down south because they were fairer. I’m not fair,” she said, explaining how she viewed the industry’s casting practices.
The actress also questioned the tendency to bring in foreign performers when local talent was available. According to Radhika, South Indian actresses are beautiful, talented and familiar with the languages and cultures of the regions they represent, making them strong candidates for roles in their own industries.
She pointed out that some actresses from Mumbai who do not speak the relevant regional language are cast in South Indian films, with their dialogue subsequently dubbed by other artists. Radhika said she was uncomfortable with this practice and did not want to encourage a system that, in her view, overlooked local performers.
Her comments have once again brought attention to discussions around colourism, regional representation and equal opportunities for women in Indian cinema.
Radhika Recalls Her Experience on South Indian Film Sets
Apart from casting choices, Radhika also reflected on the working environment she experienced while shooting in South Indian cinema. She described the atmosphere as relatively informal, with professional relationships often becoming personal.
The actress recalled that people on set were kind and welcoming, sometimes treating her like a member of their own family. This created an environment where she felt comfortable approaching colleagues and having conversations with them.
However, she explained that such closeness could also come with expectations. When professional relationships became too personal, she sometimes felt that she was expected to agree to requests or take on work as a favour.
For Radhika, this informality had both positive and negative sides. While she appreciated the warmth and friendliness, she also recognised that personal bonds could sometimes make professional boundaries difficult to maintain.
Her reflections offer a glimpse into the different working cultures she has experienced throughout her career.
Radhika Apte to Star in Netflix’s Akka
Radhika is now preparing for the release of Akka, an upcoming Netflix gangster drama set in the 1980s in the fictional South Indian kingdom of Pernuru.
In the series, she plays Rudra, a character caught in a struggle for power against Bhavani, portrayed by Keerthy Suresh. The story explores themes of power, loyalty, rivalry and revenge, promising a dramatic clash between two formidable women.
Written and directed by Dharmaraj Shetty and produced by YRF Entertainment, Akka is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on October 30, 2026.
The project also brings Radhika back into a story rooted in a South Indian setting, making her recent comments about regional cinema and representation particularly relevant.
A Conversation About Representation in Indian Cinema
Radhika Apte’s remarks highlight an ongoing conversation about who gets opportunities in Indian films and the factors that influence casting decisions. Her comments reflect her personal experience and perception of the industry, while also drawing attention to the importance of recognising regional talent.
As Indian cinema reaches wider audiences, questions around skin tone, language and representation continue to be discussed by actors and audienc
