Actor Radhika Apte has said that only leading stars such as Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone can give female-led films a strong theatrical opening, highlighting the commercial uncertainty surrounding such projects in Bollywood.

Speaking to PTI, Apte said even an excellent film featuring her might struggle at the box office, prompting actresses to consider roles in male-led projects. “I’m not an Alia Bhatt or Deepika Padukone,” she said, noting that the two stars could generate expectations of a strong opening.

Apte also expressed discomfort with the growing popularity of violence-driven cinema, saying she did not want to be associated with such content.

She added that motherhood had changed her priorities, making family time and reasonable working hours increasingly important. Apte will next appear in Netflix’s Akka, alongside Keerthy Suresh.