Radhika Apte has once again got people talking about her Telugu film experience. While promoting her new Netflix series Akka, the actress criticised Balakrishna’s Legend, calling her role in the film one of the toughest of her career.
“I Had to Marry My Own Uncle”
Recalling her role in Legend, Radhika said the story required her to marry her own uncle (mama) in the film.
“For a Telugu film, I had to marry my own uncle in the film,” she said.
She also spoke about romancing a much older co-star in a story she found deeply patriarchal.
“I had to romance a very older person – very patriarchal situation in place. This was the most toughest thing for me,” she said.
The Action Scene She Found Toughest
Radhika also recalled one particular scene from the film. Her character dies midway through the story, and the hero then carries her body on his shoulders during an action sequence. She said that scene was one of the hardest moments for her.
About Legend
Legend released in 2014 and was directed by Boyapati Srinu. Balakrishna played a dual role in the action drama, and Radhika played one of the female leads. The film was a big hit and remains one of Balakrishna’s most popular films with his fans.
Akka Promotions
Radhika made the comments while promoting Akka, a Netflix series produced by YRF Entertainment. The 1980s gangster drama stars Radhika alongside Keerthy Suresh, and it premiered on Netflix on October 30.
Not the First Time
This isn’t the first time Radhika has criticised Telugu cinema. An old clip of the actress went viral in 2024, in which she called the Telugu film industry “male-chauvinist” and spoke about how women were treated on sets.
Why Pick the Film, Then?
Her latest comments have once again raised a question among Telugu audiences. Many fans are asking why actresses sign Telugu films if they’re uncomfortable with the roles, and then criticise them years later.
Radhika isn’t the only one. Several Bollywood actresses have, at different times, spoken negatively about their South film experiences after working in them. That has left many Telugu film fans feeling the industry is often singled out unfairly.
At the same time, some feel actresses should be free to speak honestly about roles that made them uncomfortable, and that such conversations can push filmmakers to write better parts for women.
Either way, Radhika’s remarks have reopened a debate that keeps coming back every time a Bollywood actress talks about Tollywood.
