Radhika Apte: Bollywood's beauty standards harmed my self-esteem

Radhika Apte recently reflected on the profound influence of old Bollywood romantic films, noting how their depiction of women and beauty standards significantly shaped her own insecurities throughout her college years. She articulated that cinema, much like cricket, wields immense power in India, thereby imposing a substantial responsibility on anyone in the public eye.

Apte explained that the pervasive romantic narratives, where chasing was normalized and women's roles were often portrayed in specific ways, had a lasting impact. She confessed to spending her college years grappling with feelings of not being pretty enough or having the right body type because she didn't conform to these on-screen ideals. This personal experience underscores her belief that artists must acknowledge their social influence.

The actress further clarified that 'politics' extends beyond elections to encompass daily life, societal structures, and individual responsibilities. She concluded that public figures, regardless of their stature, cannot detach themselves from the social implications of their work, as these messages can shape individuals' lives in unexpected ways.