Exclusive: Mani Ratnam is a one-man institution, says Aditi Rao Hydari

If reports are to be believed, Mani Ratnam is all set to cast Aditi Rao once again after their last collaboration in Kaatru Veliyadai.

Says Aditi, “I’d love to work with Mani sir again. The experience has changed my life. I feel every actor must work with him at least once. He is a one-man institution. There’s so much to learn when he is around.”

She is reluctant to agree that Kaatru Veliyadai was not a huge success. “Mani sir has a faithful following that never fails him. Our film lived up to that audience’s expectations. What thrilled me to bits was the fact that not one review faulted my performance. Most important of all, Mani sir was happy with me. To work with him again would be a dream come true, twice over. I had a wish-list of directors when I came into the film industry. Mani sir was right at the top.”

Aditi feels lucky to have worked with some of the finest contemporary directors like Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Mani Ratnam without any recommendations or a godfather. “I am proud to say whatever I’ve achieved is on my own. No one else can take credit for my success,” says Aditi.