In a roundup of some of the most talked-about moments in Bollywood, three major celebrities—Dhanashree Verma, Aamir Khan, and Ranveer Singh—have each made headlines for deeply personal and emotional r

Radhika Apte, known for her bold roles and unconventional choices in Indian and international cinema, has opened up about the difficulties new mothers face in the film industry. In a recent interview, she candidly discussed her experiences after becoming a mother and raised concerns about the lack of support for women juggling motherhood and careers in entertainment.

Apte, who welcomed her daughter in December 2024, revealed how unprepared the film industry is to accommodate the needs of new mothers. While she was excited about this new phase in her life, she soon realized how challenging it was to balance the responsibilities of motherhood with the demands of the entertainment world. She expressed uncertainty about how she would manage both roles moving forward, saying, “I don’t think they are [conducive]. I don’t know how I’m going to navigate that going ahead.”

The actress shared that she had been extremely active even during her pregnancy. In fact, just one day before she went into labor, she completed a writing project. Astonishingly, only a week after giving birth, Apte was already attending virtual work meetings while breastfeeding her newborn. This demonstrates her dedication to her work, but it also highlights the kind of pressure new mothers in the film industry often face—to quickly bounce back and continue performing professionally without adequate support systems in place.

The film industry, especially in India, is known for its long, often inflexible work hours. Apte pointed out that the standard structure of 12-14 hour shooting days leaves little to no time for a mother to bond with her child. There is a pressing need, she feels, to create an environment where women are not forced to choose between their careers and their children.

Her comments reflect a broader issue in the entertainment world, where work-life balance remains a challenge. Apte is not alone in voicing these concerns. Recently, Deepika Padukone also reportedly stepped away from a film because of the demanding schedule, advocating for an eight-hour workday. Actor-producer Ajay Devgn also acknowledged that shorter working hours are becoming more common, benefiting not just mothers but the entire cast and crew.

In addition to acting, Radhika Apte has also ventured into writing and directing. She wrote a short film titled The Sleepwalkers, and her recent interest in screenwriting stems from a desire to work on projects that truly resonate with her. “I’m tired of acting because you don’t necessarily get the kind of work you want,” she admitted, signaling her desire to take more creative control.

Currently based in London, Apte is trying to maintain a balance between her personal and professional life. As her film Sister Midnight makes its Indian premiere, her story adds a powerful voice to the growing conversation around the need for systemic change in the entertainment industry—one that supports and respects the lives and choices of working mothers.