The bold and the beautiful Radhika Apte turns 34 today. The actress has made a very special place for herself in the Indian film industry with her film choices, that are definitely taking the road less travelled. The actress has worked in some of the best films ever made in India, acting spectacularly well in each one of them. In an interview, she has said, "I am associated with the word bold for one reason; choice." As a token of our love for Radhika, we are going to talk about how we all can take a lesson or two from her in being bold. Radhika Apte Birthday Special: She's the Right Inspiration for Those who Love Some Quirk and Everything Bold (View Pics).

Her Profound Stand that Female Body Is Not Just Sexual

The actress' nude scenes from Parched were leaked online and became the subject of intense scrutiny. In an interview, Radhika said, "You cannot control gaze… how someone chooses to view your body once it’s out in a public space. Even if you are completely clothed there will be a gaze. I really don’t think a female body should be such a huge issue. Either you respect it, or you don’t. You can’t pretend to respect a body. Clothes and nudity have nothing to do with male gaze. Nothing has changed since the video has been out,"

"The change was when I chose to do this scene. Because that was a step towards feeling more liberated about my body. You watch a certain thing, you read a certain way, you aspire to be that person who doesn’t have inhibitions. But actually taking that step to be that, to practice what you believe in. Taking that step made me feel happy. That is my journey. What people think is out of my control," she said.

Her Absolutely Stunning Choice of Films

The actress has worked in some stunning movies in the past. From Lust Stories to Parched, she has talked about female sexuality, while staying away from the tropes of overtly sexualised heroine on screen. She managed to stun the audience in a role as brief as in Badlapur. She has also been a part of mainstream cinema like Kabali with Rajinikanth and PadMan with Akshay Kumar. Not to forget her brilliant performance in Phobia, a thriller movie dealing with the trauma of sexual abuse.

I have been turned down because I’m dusky. I remember one instance very clearly. These days, there are a lot more dusky actresses in the industry than there were before. But a typical, pretty-looking fair girl has a higher chance of being selected than a dark-skinned, unconventional looking girl. Things are changing, but if you are still promoting fairness creams, then the bias definitely exists.

Her Bold Take on Love and Life

"In life, you meet so many people and there are so many wonderful people and you get tempted. Sometimes it's a physical attraction, sometimes it's just admiration and that can be very potent also and I think that's beautiful. Why would you not address that aspect of your life?" Radhika said in an interview.

She added, "Monogamy or being with one person has to be a choice made every day. It can't be a compulsion. I need to make that choice every day, wake up and say this is the person I want to be with." She said she is lucky to have a husband like Benedict Taylor."

A very happy birthday to Radhika, who puts the act in the actress. Stay bold and keep inspiring your fans.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 07, 2019 05:54 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).