Radhika Apte, the leading lady of Antaheen who stars in the two Friday films I Am and Shor in the City, tells t2 why she’s studying choreography in London and what her relationship status with co-actor Tusshar Kapoor is.

Why did you move to London?

I moved to London eight months ago for a year to do a diploma course on contemporary dance at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. It’s been my dream. It comes to an end this July.

London is not easy to get by for students. I didn’t get a scholarship... had to take a loan. Initially I didn’t like the city too much. The days were small, cold and depressing but now the sun is out, and I know the city much more. Getting back to studies after eight years was different and I feel good about my decision to take a year off and study dance, one of my deepest passions!

How is it helping you as an actress?

Any form of physical training helps a performer. The dance training and my stay here (in London) are for numerous reasons. The dance form helps you discover so much about your body. It is a completely different experience to study with people from all over the world — more than working with them — who have studied different dance forms before. The school I’m in is known for choreography, something I’ve never attempted before. It’s a bit frustrating but altogether I’m learning so much when it comes to choreographing a piece.

You play Tusshar Kapoor’s wife in Shor in the City . Are you aware of the potshots that Ektaa Kapoor took at you on Koffee With Karan on STAR World?

Yes, I am. I was travelling for some work in Scotland when a friend called and told me about it. I didn’t believe him, to be honest, as it was quite shocking. Then I saw it on YouTube. [When Karan Johar asked Tusshar to rank five sexy actresses, Ektaa interrupted, saying “Radhika A-p-t-e”. Karan asked “Who is Radhika Apte?”, to which Ektaa retorted with a smirk: “My point exactly!” Later in the episode, when Tusshar gifted Karan a poster of Shor in the City, Ektaa remarked “Luckily, she’s not there on that one”, and when Karan said that he’d like to see the “palpable chemistry between the leads” Ektaa retorted: “Hopefully which will stay only in the film” followed by another dig... “She’s attractive in a horsey sort of way”.]

Being new to films, I expect genuine encouragement, support and promotion from the people involved in my films. Instead I find myself dragged into completely fabricated stories, tasteless gossip and lewd comments. It’s sad and laughable, especially when I’m thousands of miles away, to hear stories of being on romantic holidays in Goa on Valentine’s Day while I was actually having dinner with old friends in London!

What could have triggered this?

Do you know that biochemically, imagination and memory are the same? To set the record straight, I am not dating Tusshar Kapoor. We were colleagues, not even friends. I was never even in touch with him after those few days of shoot. I have worked in the film with him and I hope it does well. I had met Ektaa once briefly when I was introduced to her and that was all.

So, is this a publicity gimmick for the film?

I don’t know! I want to be known only for my work. I try to work hard and I know that dignity pays well. Any other kind of fame is not of interest or consequence to me. And I do not wish to be associated with people who get their thrills from generating fake scandals.

How much has Bollywood opened up to you?

Not much at all. Three of my films have either released or are releasing this year. I’ve missed them all as I took a year off. I received a good response for Rakht Charitra, which was soothing as I couldn’t be there for the premiere. To be honest, when I go back I have nothing apart from stage work.

The films I was offered this year were all clashing with my school schedule. It was very hard to let go as I badly wanted to be in a few of them. It’s unfortunate but I do not regret coming to London either. It’s just that I like to do one thing at a time, so I’m going to finish my diploma and then come look for work! I hope to be able to do a lot more when I come back.

What about Tollywood? You never did another Bengali film after Antaheen…

I was approached but it never worked out because of dates or the character I was asked to play. I am willing to do more Bengali films and I want to work with Aparna Sen!