Actor Radhikka Madan, who started her career in television before moving to Bollywood, recently opened up about the demanding work schedule she faced in the early days of her career. In a conversation with filmmaker Farah Khan on her latest vlog, Radhikka reflected on her love for the camera and the challenges she faced in the television industry.
“I Worked 56 Hours Non-Stop,” Says Radhikka
Radhikka revealed that she initially dreamed of becoming a professional dancer and hoped to introduce tap dancing in India. But fate had other plans. She shared how her acting journey began unexpectedly when she auditioned for her debut show Meri Aashiqui Tumse Hi.
She recalled, “The moment the camera was switched on, I felt very safe. I never felt that safe in my life. I wanted to be a professional dancer. The way I used to feel on the stage, you can’t see anyone else, I felt the same in front of the camera. I thought of course mujhe nahi lenge, but within three days I got a call for a look test and within 2 days, I was shooting for my first show.”
Radhikka also said that she learned how to act on the sets itself, without any formal training.
Farah Khan Responds to Radhikka’s Intense Shooting Hours
Farah, surprised by Radhikka’s hectic work schedule, asked, “You didn’t have an 8-hour shift, I am guessing?”
Radhikka responded, “56 hours non-stop or 48 hours non-stop.”
Reacting to this, Farah remarked, “Aise tapke hi toh sona banta hai (this is how gold is made).”
This discussion came amid ongoing conversations in the film industry about maintaining work-life balance. The issue gained attention after Deepika Padukone reportedly walked away from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit due to her requests for an 8-hour workday, a share in profits, and not having to speak dialogues in Telugu — demands the filmmaker allegedly didn’t agree to.
What’s Next for Farah Khan and Radhikka Madan?
While Farah Khan hasn’t directed a film since Happy New Year (2014), she recently returned to choreography with a song in Salman Khan’s latest movie Sikandar, which also stars Rashmika Mandanna. Happy New Year, which featured Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and others, was a box office success, earning ₹397 crore worldwide.
Radhikka Madan is currently working on her next project, Subedaar, directed by Suresh Triveni. The film features Anil Kapoor in the lead role. Further details about the cast and release date are yet to be announced.
