Exclusive: Aditi Rao Hydari bonds with Mani Ratnam over language barrier

Aditi Rao Hydari isn’t well versed in Tamil, and had a tough time learning the language for her role in Mani Ratnam’s Kaatru Veliyidai. The actress, however, didn’t see this as a disadvantage. While learning the language wasn’t exactly easy, she had help throughout the process.

“Preparing for the language was difficult since I wanted it to feel seamless and real. And for this, I needed to know my lines well. Mani sir sat me down every single day before the shoot and helped me as much as I needed,” recalls the beauty.

She says these tuition classes with the director also helped her bond with him. “The most difficult task soon felt like a blessing in disguise. I realised that by not knowing the language, I got to spend a lot of time with Mani sir and this helped us bond.”

Mani Ratnam’s Kaatru Veliyidai is an intense love story about an Indian Air Force officer and his doctor ladylove. The film is set to release on April 7.