Popular television actress Radhika Muthukumar—loved for her captivating performances in hit shows like Sasural Simar Ka 2, Kya Haal, Mr. Paanchal?, etc. has always won hearts with her relatable charm and warmth. On the special occasion of Friendship Day, the actress opens up about what genuine friendship means to her, how her perspective on relationships has evolved in the showbiz world, and why healthy camaraderie always trumps competition.
Navigating fame and the glamour industry can be overwhelming, but Radhika credits her closest circle for keeping her rooted. When asked about friends who don’t care about her star status and aren’t afraid to correct her when needed, she shares, “Whether it’s my childhood friends or the close friends I’ve made in this industry, they all treat me simply as ‘me,’ regardless of star status. Choosing just one name would be impossible because all my close ones hold me accountable and keep me grounded.”
For Radhika, loyalty and presence outweigh superficial bonds. “My litmus test for any relationship is simple: who stays by my side during both the good times and the bad? A true friend isn’t just there for the celebrations; they walk through the tough phases with you.”
When it comes to her favourite co-stars to hang out with away from the spotlight, Radhika smiles as she names her go-to squad, “My rakhi brother Akash Jagga and Sumit Bhardwaj are absolute favourites to hang out with off-camera! Our green-room chats cover everything under the sun—from deep life discussions and work talk to completely random, silly banter.”
Auditioning for the same roles can breed rivalry, but Radhika takes a refreshingly positive approach toward her peers. “There is zero room for competition between real friends. Whenever my friends audition for the same roles as me, I always encourage them. At the end of the day, whoever is deserving will get the role, and seeing a friend succeed brings pure joy.”
As years pass, Radhika’s view on friendships has deepened alongside her growth as a person. With time and maturity, my definition of a true friend has grown much deeper. A genuine friendship creates a ‘safe space’—a zone where you can just be completely yourself without having to put up any façade or pretend to be someone you’re not.”
Reflecting on the people who have supported her journey, Radhika expresses gratitude to her entire circle. “I can’t point out just one single person because I’ve been blessed to meet incredible friends over time. They have stood by me through thick and thin and constantly taught me how to be a better human being. I want to take this moment to thank every one of them for always having my back.”
