'Actors have massive paunches': Radhika Apte defends Alia Bhatt against Alpha trolling

Radhika Apte and Alia Bhatt. Pics via Instagram

Actor Radhika Apte has come out in support of Alia Bhatt amid criticism of her physique and suitability for action films. Calling out the double standards faced by female actors, Radhika pointed out that male stars performing action sequences are not subjected to the same scrutiny, despite not always having conventionally athletic physiques.

Radhika Apte on double standards faced by women

In an interview with India Today, Radhika defended Alia, who headlines the action film Alpha alongside Sharvari. Responding to the trolling surrounding Alia's appearance and her ability to carry out action sequences, the Akka actor said, "Your actors who are doing action have massive paunches and all, and Alia is bloody fit. I mean, please."

Radhika's remarks highlight the contrasting expectations placed on men and women in the film industry, particularly when it comes to their physical appearance and suitability for action-oriented roles. While male actors are often allowed greater flexibility in how they look on screen, female actors can face intense scrutiny over their bodies, even when they undergo physical training for demanding roles.

"Very few people are comfortable with the freedom that their daughters are seeking, or rather, rightfully claiming. I think that also reflects in the kind of content people watch. That's my guess," Radhika said.

She noted that many households continue to hold conventional views about how women should dress, behave and marry by a certain age. According to the actor, these attitudes could also influence the stories audiences consume and the way women are judged on screen.

Alpha features Alia Bhatt and Sharvari in action roles

Alpha, starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari in the lead roles, also features Anil Kapoor and Bobby Deol in pivotal roles. The film places two female actors at the centre of an action-driven story, bringing renewed attention to the physical demands and expectations associated with the genre.

Meanwhile, Radhika is preparing for her upcoming Netflix series Akka, in which she stars alongside Keerthy Suresh. The project adds to the actor's recent work across streaming and film, as she continues to speak about the expectations placed on women both within and beyond the entertainment industry. Akka is set to release on October 30, 2026.