Radhika Apte Reveals Producer Forced Her to Wear Tight Clothes During Pregnancy, Denied Doctor on Set

Radhika Apte Recalls Insensitive Treatment on Set During Pregnancy.

During a candid conversation on Neha Dhupia’s Freedom to Feed live session, actress Radhika Apte opened up about the challenges she faced while working during her early pregnancy, contrasting vastly different experiences on Indian and international film sets.

Apte revealed that an Indian producer reacted coldly to her pregnancy news, showing little empathy for her condition. “He insisted I wear tight-fitting clothes despite my discomfort and bloating,” she shared. “I was in my first trimester, constantly hungry and going through physical changes. Yet, I wasn’t allowed to see a doctor even when I was in pain on set. That truly disheartened me.”

In contrast, her experience working on a Hollywood project during the same period was markedly positive. “When I told the filmmaker I might look like a different person by the end of the shoot, he smiled and said, ‘Even if you are, it’s fine — because you’re pregnant.’ That kind of understanding meant the world to me.”

Apte emphasized that while she respects professional commitments, basic empathy shouldn’t be too much to expect. “I didn’t want special treatment, just humanity and kindness after sharing something so personal.”

Her account underscores the emotional and physical toll pregnancy can take, especially in unsupportive work environments. As part of Neha Dhupia’s Freedom to Feed initiative — which advocates for maternal rights and open dialogue around motherhood — Apte’s story highlights the need for more compassionate, inclusive practices in the film industry.