Vasan Bala’s short film in Ray might have evoked mixed response from the audience, but Radhika Madan earned unequivocal praise for her act as Didi. Soon after, she was seen in the Netflix anthology, Feels Like Ishq. As a young actor navigating her way through the industry, Madan says she benefits from not focussing solely on theatrical outings.

“Digital entertainment has the potential to be bigger than theatres. When I signed Feels Like Ishq, I wanted to do something light. I was tired of doing roles that were emotionally wrecking. Ray required research, Angrezi Medium [2020] required dialect coaching and Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota [2019] needed physical training. This film was to surprise my audience and ensure I don’t get boxed,” she reasons.

It is probably this train of thought that has prompted her to sign Saas Bahu Aur Cocaine. The web series, which reunites her with Angrezi Medium director Homi Adajania, is a bold story about women working in the drug business. However, Madan remains tight-lipped about the project, promising to talk about it “when the time is right.” 

For now, the actor is happy to straddle films and digital outings, thus enjoying the best of both worlds and scripting her rise to success. “I was asked a lot whether this is the right move after Angrezi Medium. But as an artiste, it’s important to have range. Kudos to Vidya [Balan], Kangana [Ranaut] and Taapsee [Pannu] for changing the industry’s perception of women-fronted films. We are now coming up with female narratives where a hero is not needed.”