Radhika Apte questions why female actors face scrutiny for action roles

Actor Radhika Apte defended Alia Bhatt's action avatar in Alpha amid criticism of her physique. She said the reaction exposes gendered double standards rooted in traditional attitudes.

In Short

• Radhika Apte questioned scrutiny of female actors' physique in action roles
• She highlighted double standards faced by women in the film industry
• Attributes bias to traditional mindset in Indian households

Actor Radhika Apte has questioned why female actors are scrutinised for their physique when taking on action roles, while their male counterparts rarely face the same judgement. In an exclusive conversation with India Today, the actor addressed the criticism surrounding Alia Bhatt’s action avatar in Alpha, calling attention to the double standards women face in the industry.

Reacting to the criticism, she said, “Your actors who are doing action have massive paunches and all, and Alia is bloody fit. I mean, please.”

When asked why this double standard persists, Radhika attributed it to the traditional mindset that continues to shape attitudes in many Indian households.

“I think it's because most households and a large part of our country are quite traditional. You want women to be a certain way, dress a certain way, behave a certain way, and get married at a certain age. That still exists. Very few people are comfortable with the freedom that their daughters are seeking, or rather, rightfully claiming. I think that also reflects in the kind of content people watch. That's my guess,” the 41-year-old actor added.

Directed by Shiv Rawail, Alpha stars Alia Bhatt and Sharvari, alongside Bobby Deol and Anil Kapoor in key roles. The film is part of Yash Raj Films' spy universe.

Meanwhile, Radhika will next be seen in the Netflix series Akka, alongside Keerthy Suresh. It will premiere on October 30.

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