Once a drama queen: Aditi Rao Hydari

Aditi Rao Hydari is sitting pretty indeed — and we mean that literally as well. After a well-talked-of performance in Wazir, Aditi is ready for her next screen innings: As the younger version of Tabu’s character, Begum Hazrat, in Abhishek Kapoor’s Fitoor, a re-imagining of Dickens’ Great Expectations. In a conversation with DC, Aditi talks about her experiences on the sets of Wazir, her upcoming role, favourite co-stars and more.

What was it like working with Mr Bachchan in Wazir?
Whatever I say about the experience won’t be enough to express just how special it was... Mr Bachchan is a legend and it’s difficult to put into words how amazing it feels just to stand in front of him and breathe the same air, to watch him perform, listen to his stories! And above all — to be at the receiving end of his generosity and encouragement — and of course, some pranks!

You play a younger Tabu in Fitoor. Did you do any workshops with her or discuss how she is playing the character etc?
I’m a huge fan of Tabu. She plays Begum Hazrat and I play young Hazrat. Her life experiences lead her to becoming the “begum” as you will see in Fitoor. I don’t want to tell you too much because that’s what you will watch in the film! Gattu (Abhishek Kapoor) works so much from his heart, he creates a perfect ambience for you to become the part.

Who’s your favourite co-star and why?
That’s a really hard question to answer because I’ve worked with some amazing people and I feel privileged to have done so. But I think a dream-come-true for any actor is to work with Mr Bachchan, and I feel so lucky that I did!

One thing you hate about the industry and why?
That we prioritise too many things other than creativity — image, perception, Friday numbers, creating fake numbers... Our industry is so creative and talented but there is a herd mentality and we often give in to the pressures of (solely) the market and are afraid to go with what we really believe in.

How would you want to do it differently, if given a chance?
The priority should be a fabulous script. I’d pick a great script, a filmmaker who has conviction in the script and his/her vision, a producer who will back the film till the end and actors who are cast correctly for the parts. If the film is good, even if it doesn’t make money on a Friday and Saturday it will make money on a Monday and Tuesday and many days after that. And most importantly will be remembered many years later. It’s about conviction and going with a vision...

Why did you decide to get into acting?
Once a drama queen, always a drama queen! I feel free and uninhibited in front of the camera...to me, cinema is magic.

You belong to a royal family… was there opposition from the family when you decided to become an actress?
I’ve been I singing, dancing, imitating people, and generally being a performing monkey all my life! I think my family knew I’d be a performer of some kind. They are not enamoured by movie stars or fame. For them, who I am as a person is far more important. They are very liberal and have given me a lot of freedom and I’ve never felt the need to misuse it. I’ve always had their complete support and love in whatever I do.

Do you think that you made some mistakes in your choice of roles? What do you count as the highs and lows of your career till now?
I don’t think about what is not, I put my energy into what is in front of me and how to better that and put 100 per cent into every moment... The focus is to keep moving ahead, never stagnating, not settling for what is “average” and to be challenged so that I never get complacent and keep getting better and happier with every step and experience! I wake up every morning with positivity, and a big thank you... I feel lucky to be a part of the magic that is the movies.