There’s a sylph-like feeling one gets when watching Aditi Rao Hydari onscreen — as her delicate and nimble frame somehow commands the attention of the audience. In her every step, nod, smile and swish, we get to see the dancer in the moment; whether it’s her role as Ruhana Ali in Wazir, as the younger Begum Hazrat in Fitoor, or even in the dance video Let’s Dance released for Women’s Day. Maybe that’s the thought that ran through people’s heads recently, as the actress walked the ramp for a fashion show in the city.
While her achievements in Bollywood are common knowledge, not many know that her debut film was in Kollywood — Sringaram, which released in 2007. The film went on to receive much acclaim and paved the way for Aditi’s acting career.
Strangely, she hasn’t appeared in more Tamil films, which begs us to ask — will she? “I did Sringaram while I was still studying and dancing. I didn’t plan any of it — you can dream, work hard, have a goal, make a wish list, but it’s pretty impossible to plan any of it. Bolly, Tolly, Kolly Holly... For me, it’s always been about working with directors I respect, people who will challenge me, who I trust and with whom I can surrender to the process, story and character,” she says. Still, we movie-hungry Chennaiites can hope, right?
After all, her ties to this city are strong, and Aditi has spoken often about the nostalgia surrounding her time spent studying here. She had learnt Bharathanatyam under Leela Samson in Kalakshetra and even while being busy with shoots and promotions, she is known to visit her guru often here.
“I love early morning rehearsals, the sound of the shruti box, hot idlis and podi, dance saris, and hanging with Leela akka and my dancer friends... It grounds me,” she says when asked what draws her back. Having always been passionate about to the creative side, learning performance arts helped her evolve into an actress. “They are a part of my blood and soul, and I can never separate these from who I am. It all comes together when I’m in front of the camera. Being in front of the camera too, is a magical space, where I feel completely free, uninhibited and very safe. I could be hungry, sleepy, irritated; the camera comes on and it’s all gone… like magic!”
Yet, there’s a negative side to being in the spotlight and a face much loved by the media. Rumours and gossip have remained bedfellows, especially after Wazir co-star, Farhan Akhtar’ split with his wife, Adhuna. In the face of all that, Aditi remains unfazed — “People who create gossip and scandals probably thrive on it and enjoy wreaking havoc. I cannot stop them but I will not engage and dignify them. I know the truth and I sleep well at night!” she asserts.
Currently filming Aur Devdas, an adaptation of the iconic book by director Sudhir Mishra, the self-confessed drama queen is pretty excited about it. Playing the role of Chandni, inspired by Chandramukhi, the film is a political thriller.
“I play Chandni who drops out of business school and gets sucked into the world of power and politics — the story is told through her eyes. It’s an iconic novel, but it is Sudhir sir’s interpretation of the story and these iconic characters that make it special,” she smiles. That said Aditi, we can’t help but hope you make a comeback to Kolly screens soon!
