Kaatru Veliyidai is now the talk of the town as fans of Tamil cinema are looking forward to see Mani Ratnam’s magic after two long years. The other major talking point of the film is its stunning heroine Aditi Rao Hydari. Though she made her debut years ago in Tamil with Sringaram, this is touted as her long-pending break into southern films. DC finds out more about the actress and her thoughts in an interview with her.
You have come a long way on your own without anybody’s support… How has the struggle been for you?
I have a longer way to go. I have many more dreams and as an artist, I am constantly pushing myself. I worked for seven years in Bombay without any help, but I look at it as a fact and don’t look at it as a bitter experience.
Do you feel nepotism exists in Bollywood?
I don’t know why we single out Bollywood. It’s there everywhere! People will obviously help their own. Film industry shouldn’t be singled out — it’s natural and there is no point cribbing about it.
I just hope if we all can be equal and that everything is dependent on our talents, but that’s not the case.
Do you also feel an actor is constantly being judged by society?
That is true, and on the other hand, we are given unconditional love. I always find positivity even in a horrible situation. We are judged so harshly, but at the same time we are loved unconditionally.
You are playing Sanjay Dutt’s daughter in Bhoomi. Did you ever expect something of this sort to come your way?
I never expected I would get to work with Sanjay Dutt. You don’t always get a father-daughter story so it wasn’t expected, but when I got this opportunity, it was like a surprise present. He is an effortless natural actor. And to be playing a daughter to him is amazing. He is very protective and generous.
On Mani Ratnam?
Mani sir is constantly challenging you, pushing you and giving you the freedom to explore. He is there guiding you, nurturing you, and his script is so beautiful. You are working without any stress when you are working with him because you know he is there... mentoring you.
