Film actress and Bharatnatyam dancer Aditi Rao Hydari is creating a niche for herself in Bollywood, with lead roles in Sudhir Mishra’s Yeh Saali Zindagi (2011) and London, Paris, New York (2012) opposite Ali Zafar. She also has a ton of supporting roles and ad films to her credit. This blue blooded Hyderabadi recently made to the the list of the 100 most beautiful faces in the world and believes that she was born to be a star. The Quint got up close and personal with the diva in this tell all interview.
Q: When did you decide that you’d be an actress? Was it a childhood dream?
Aditi Rao Hydari: Some kids are just born drama queens and I was one of them. Always dancing, singing, imitating, playing dress up....I loved being the centre of attention, clear signs!
Q: Which of your roles is the closest to your heart? How has it contributed to your success as an actress?
ARH: Really tough to pick favourites, but probably Yeh Saali Zindagi and London Paris New York, as they came out one after the other and set the ball rolling, which is something I’ll never forget as a rank newcomer with no real help in the industry. But I’ve been lucky that critics have always been kind to me. I get a lot of unconditional love from fans too. I’ve also got good opportunities and worked with good, credible people but I haven’t got a breakthrough role yet. I’m so hungry for it, in fact for many such roles. When you’re not from the industry and you don’t have a godfather I think you yearn for it that much more.
Q: How do you prepare for a new character? Do you have a coach?
ARH: I listen to my director so I understand the core of the character and then respond from there. Having danced since I was five, I probably use that to my advantage too, but I think I do it unknowingly. I switch on when the camera comes on and feel completely in that moment, and when the camera goes off I could be monkeying around on set. I think I’m happy not knowing what the method is because there is no method in ‘feeling’.... If you ‘feel’ it shows in your eyes... Period!
Q: You have been doing quite a few photo shoots. Is modeling your first love?
ARH: I love the camera! Be it still or moving.
Q: Given a choice between a heroine oriented strong script by an unknown filmmaker and a regular role opposite a league star in a big budget movie, which one would you go for and why?
ARH: Ideally that should be a no-brainer. If the script and the new director are interesting I’d do the heroine oriented film with a new director. A good script and a good director will tell a good story and make a good movie so everything follows from there. When a film like that does well you know you made good cinema and you know you didn’t piggyback on a fluke success. We need to have faith in ourselves and just tell good stories and make good cinema, xyz lists and formulas really should be done away with.
Q: The one thing that we don’t know about you?
ARH: That I have dimples on my shoulders and I have to tell photographers not to photoshop them!
Q: They say it’s a great time to be an actress in Bollywood, because the heroines are finally getting better and meatier roles, do you think this works for only the top two or three actresses in the industry?
ARH: Not entirely true, but it is true that if you don’t have support and a solid position you don’t get to choose from the best. Though, I believe in looking at it another way. As a rookie I can take risks and be unique. I don’t have to conform and hopefully in a few years time I’ll carve a niche for myself of credibility and quality.
Q: Which filmmaker figures in your MUST WORK WITH BEFORE I DIE list?
ARH: Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Aanand.L.Rai, Shoojit Sircar, Vishal Bhardwaj and some others I have already worked with!
Q: It’s been 6 years since Delhi6. What are the 3 things that you’ve learnt as an actress about Bollywood during this period?
ARH: I’ve learnt a lot more than 3 things! Firstly, don’t be part of the herd, be happy to be unique. Secondly, if you do it your way, you’ll last longer. You have to be able to sleep with a light heart and a clear conscience. Thirdly, have a separate professional life and a separate protected personal life.
Q: Your idea of fashion?
ARH: Fashion is instinctive and effortless.
Q: What is that one thing that can make a woman’s life better?
ARH: Respect for herself.
Q: In short, describe Aditi
ARH: Why should I sell myself short?!
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)