In a candid conversation on Neha Dhupia’s Freedom to Feed live session, actress Radhika Apte shared a deeply personal account of the contrasting experiences she faced while working during her early pregnancy. Her honest revelations shed light on the urgent need for more empathy and inclusion for expecting mothers in the entertainment industry.
Insensitive Treatment on Indian Film Set
Radhika revealed that after announcing her pregnancy, she encountered a troubling reaction from an Indian producer she was working with. “He responded coldly and even insisted I wear tight-fitting clothes despite my discomfort and bloating,” she shared. She further described the difficulties of being in her first trimester dealing with fatigue, food cravings, and physical discomfort while being expected to carry on without any consideration.
“I was eating a lot rice, pasta going through normal pregnancy changes. But instead of understanding, I was met with insensitivity,” she said. Even more concerning was the lack of medical support. “I wasn’t even allowed to see a doctor when I was in pain and feeling uneasy on set. That truly disheartened me.”
A Supportive Hollywood Experience
In stark contrast, Radhika recounted a far more compassionate experience while working on an international project at the same time. “The Hollywood filmmaker I was working with was so supportive. When I mentioned I was eating more than usual and might look different by the end of the shoot, he just laughed and said, ‘Don’t worry, even if you’re another person by the end of this project, it’s fine. Because you’re pregnant.’”
This stark difference highlighted the disparity in attitudes and the profound impact a little empathy can have on someone navigating both work and pregnancy.
Calling for Industry-Wide Change
“I understand there are professional commitments, and I’ve always respected that. But a little empathy goes a long way,” Radhika said. She clarified she wasn’t seeking special treatment just basic human kindness after sharing such joyful personal news.
Her experience adds to the growing conversation about the treatment of working mothers in the entertainment world. As part of Neha Dhupia’s Freedom to Feed initiative which champions maternal rights and supports open conversations about motherhood Radhika’s story serves as a much-needed call to foster safer, more inclusive, and understanding spaces for women in the film industry.
