Aditi ready to be even a prop for Sudhir

Aditi Rao Hydari garnered a lot of praise when she featured in Sudhir Mishra’s directorial film, Yeh Saali Zindagi (2011) — her first Hindi film as a lead actor. She reminisces how she would instinctively stand up every time Sudhir would enter the set. Acknowledging her respect, he would always smile at her and say, ‘let’s see if you remain the same once you become a star.’

Now, after six years, the actor once again collaborated with the filmmaker for her recent release, Daas Dev and Sudhir was happy to meet the same-old Aditi. “He has always been very loving. When our journey started with Yeh Saali Zindagi, he would tell me that I’m well brought up, but, at the same time he would be worried about me becoming a different person once I become star. I remember telling him I won’t change. So, this time, when we worked together [for Daas Dev], he was happy that I am still the same,” says Aditi.

The actor recalls an incident from the set. “After my first shot when I walked up to him to understand whether he is satisfied with it or not, he smiled and told Sachin Kumar Krishnan (cinematographer for Yeh Saali Zindagi and Daas Dev) that ‘bachhi badi ho gayi’. That compliment will remain with me forever,” she says. The actor adds that she is indebted to Sudhir for giving her an opportunity to be a part of his film. “It [YSZ] was my first break [as a lead] in the industry. As a new comer, when I saw my photo in big hoardings around Mumbai, it was overwhelming. That he had faith in me gave me the confidence. He is a wonderful director, who always brings out the best from his actors. I respect him for the kind of person he is and will always be indebted to him.

PHOTO: (INSET) SANJEEV SHARMA/HT; YOGEN SHAH Filmmaker Sudhir Mishra (inset) and actor Aditi Rao Hydari recently teamed up for Daas Dev