Radhika Madan: Problem is in glorifying a toxic character

Radhika Madan

Radhika Madan is excited and relieved in equal measure that Shiddat, which was held off due to the pandemic, has finally reached the audience. The Disney+
Hotstar offering is a classic story of opposites attract as her pragmatic Kartika falls in love with the emotional Jaggi, essayed by Sunny Kaushal. "Kartika has some shades of grey as well. She has complicated the concept of love so much that she doesn't know what to do with it when it comes her way. In the world of dating apps where relationships start with swipes, and we want one person to tick all our boxes, we are not leaving enough room for love to bloom," says Madan.

A still from Shiddat

In telling an intense love story, director Kunal Deshmukh and the cast had the responsibility of ensuring that the characters don't tread into a toxic zone. As the leading lady, Madan says she is mindful of how love should be depicted on screen. "The problem is not with playing a toxic character, but in glorifying him/her. With Jaggi, we ensured that he is pure. He isn't a stalker. He is child-like, and is not afraid to be vulnerable. The motivation of the character is important."

The actor will soon begin shooting for Aasmaan Bhardwaj's directorial debut, Kuttey. The film is produced by her mentor Vishal Bhardwaj, who launched her in Pataakha (2018). Giddy with excitement about reuniting with the filmmaker, she says, "Vishal sir is family, and I used to hang out with Aasmaan every day during the shoot of Pataakha. It's a matter of honour and privilege to be a part of his first film. I hope we all live up to the promise of the amazing script he has written."

Also read: 'Shiddat' song out: 'Hum Dum' featuring Radhika, Sunny is an ode to true love