Radhika Apte Highlights Pregnancy Bias in Bollywood
Actress Radhika Apte recently spoke out about the discrimination she faced in Bollywood after announcing her pregnancy. She shared her experience during Neha Dhupia’s Freedom to Feed campaign, which promotes maternal rights and better workplace support for mothers.
Lack of Support in Bollywood
Apte revealed that while working with an Indian production team during her first trimester, she encountered a lack of understanding and support. She said the producer was unhappy about her pregnancy, and despite feeling unwell, she was pressured to wear tight clothes and was not allowed to see a doctor when she needed to. “I was bloated, in pain, and hungry because of my cravings, but no one showed concern,” Apte shared.
Contrast with Hollywood Experience
In stark contrast, Apte described her experience with a Hollywood filmmaker, who responded with kindness and empathy. “When I mentioned I was eating more and might look different by the end of the shoot, he smiled and said, ‘That’s fine, you’re pregnant.’ That reassurance meant a lot,” she said.
Call for Empathy and Inclusivity
Radhika Apte emphasized that she isn’t asking for special treatment but for basic empathy and kindness in professional environments. “I have always honored my work commitments, but a little kindness makes a huge difference,” she added.
Her story highlights the urgent need for the Indian film industry to adopt inclusive practices and foster a supportive environment for working mothers, moving beyond outdated biases and creating a more humane workplace.
