Aditi Rao Hydari: Artists are like curious, excitable, perennial kids

Most actors yearn to work with the bigwigs of the film industry in their careers, but few get the opportunity to do so. After working with the likes of Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, Amitabh Bachchan and Malayalam actor, Mammootty, actor Aditi Rao Hydari recently worked with Mani Ratnam for the first time.

Speaking about the project, a Tamil film, the actor says she has learnt a great deal from the film maker. “One of the things [I’ve learnt] is that it’s natural and honest to make mistakes. Our mistakes make us human and endearing,” Aditi says.

When asked how she felt the Tamil film industry differs from Bollywood, the actor says, “I don’t think geography defines the style of working; it’s the individual who captains the ship and steers it a particular way. Mani sir’s cinema goes far beyond the boundaries of language and geography.” She says she has realised how non-judgemental and generous people are since she began working in the entertainment industry. “They are artistes, and artistes are curious, excitable; they are always like children,” the Wazir actor (2016) says.

Although Aditi has been working regularly since her debut in the 2006 Malayalam film, Prajapathi, and has worked with many people in both Bollywood and the regional film industries, she is particular about whom she asks for advice. “I listen to people I trust and respect. But, ultimately, I make my own decisions because we are unique, and so are our mistakes and our experiences,” the Rockstar (2011) actor says.

Before she turned to acting, Aditi was a Bharatanatyam dancer and even studied with acclaimed dancer, Leela Samson. But when asked if she ever had a plan B if acting didn’t work out, she says, “I can’t imagine not acting. It’s the perfect amalgamation of everything that I love to do — dance, music and art.”