‘Working on own terms tough, not impossible’

In the midst of the #MeToo wave that is taking Bollywood by storm, actor Aditi Rao Hydari says she faced one “bad” experience in her career. However, she never settled for anything lesser than dignity.

Asked about the casting couch and if an outsider faces it more often than a star kid, Aditi says, “I only can talk about myself and my experience. Honestly, working on your own terms is difficult for a newcomer but not impossible. I am an example of that. My opportunities might be fewer, but I have to choose how I want to deal with it.”

Recalling her days as a struggler in the film industry, she adds, “I had one bad experience and I stepped out from that, though I had a three-film deal. I was new and naive, but I have been brought up in a way where I know how to stand up for my dignity. So, I let go of an opportunity if it requires me to do anything to compromise on my dignity.”

However, she refused to generalise the film industry as an unsafe place for women.

“In film business, or any business, there are people with different mindset. Some would be compassionate and respectful, some might just be womanisers, but how can we generalise that? That is wrong, I guess... That way, in a male dominating society, shining is tough for women,” states the actor, who has worked in films such as Wazir (2016), Bhoomi, and Padmaavat.

She is currently shooting for actor-filmmaker Dhanush’s upcoming yet untitled project.

While her screen presence and performance keeps getting appreciation, the audience does not get to see her as a leading Bollywood heroine. What is stopping her from being number one?

“I really do not have an answer to that, but I want to say that I am happy with the opportunities that I have got in the last few years across the regions in Indian cinema where I have worked with some iconic filmmakers. So, there is no regret and I see no reason to feel negative about it,” adds the actor, who believes that success is a matter of perspective.

“For some, success is to be the highest paid actor. For some, it might be the number of awards, and for others, it is the number of films. Honestly, I feel privileged when a celebrated filmmaker offers me a role so that I can be a part of his vision. That is success for me,” concludes Aditi.

PHOTO: SHAKTI YADAV Actor Aditi Rao Hydari