Farhan Akhtar’s first Telugu song
While her grandfather ran a publishing firm for academic books, Orient Blackswan, her grandmother started Vidyaranya High School in Hyderabad, and education was always a part of their dinner table conversations. No wonder then, the cause of education has always been close to Aditi Rao Hydari’s heart.
“I come from a family that has believed very deeply in education. If I can contribute to children’s education even in a small way, I will make my family proud,” says Aditi, who was raising funds for Teach For Change’s annual fundraiser.
The 31- year- old adds, “I truly believe that education is the most important thing for our progress. I would go a step further to say that the education of the girl child is the most important; only when a girl is educated, her entire family can be educated.” Talking about the event, Aditi says, “I am helping in raising money, but I would like to do more. Money is very important, but time is even more important. There are many who can give money, but giving a part of yourself is what counts more.”
The Padmaavat actress feels lucky that she was exposed to quality education in her growing years. “By education I don’t mean literacy, I mean exposure — knowing right from wrong, knowing your rights, being empowered to make decisions. I feel if I could give my time, I would share some of my lucky upbringing with others,” she says.
Coincidently, Tollywood is Aditi’s next stop as she gears up for a film opposite Varun Tej. “I don’t like to speak about anything before it starts. But I would say that I have really enjoyed listening to the narration and I really admire Sankalp Reddy’s vision. Currently, I am shooting for Mohan sir’s film, and my second film with Mani Ratnam,” she says.
Aditi has completed over six years in the industry. Call Delhi 6 ( 2009) her debut movie, and she cuts us off: “In Delhi 6, I wasn’t an actor. I would say Yeh Saali Zindagi is when I started — in 2011.”
However, despite experiencing many successful runs in the business, Aditi feels that she is still a “baby in the industry”. “I don’t know anything!” she exclaims, adding, “Success means different things to different people. To me, success means when people who you love and respect, pick you to be a part of their film. I don’t feel it has anything to do with me, but the people who make me and the team that makes the film, who give me the character and mould me. The only credit I can take is that I love my work. You can put me in front of the camera for 48 hours continuously because I enjoy it so much.”
Aditi goes on to add that she wants to make an impact all over India. “I want to be a part of memorable cinema. Only a great director, a great writer, editor and DOP can make that happen. I will feel lucky if I become known as an actress across the country. India is a diverse country and films are about feelings, not about language. I don’t want language to limit me — whether it is in India, or abroad, I want to be able to push myself,” she concludes. Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut will be seen representing India at the “Gandhi goes Global” Summit in New Jersey, USA. The actress will share stage with world renowned personalities like Former First lady of United States of America, Michelle Obama and the media proprietor, philanthropist, actress and talk show host Oprah Winfrey.
The motto of the initiative “Gandhi going global” is to spread Gandhian philosophy globally through interactive activities, educational programs, motivational talks and cultural events. The event is scheduled to take place on 18 and 19 August.
Speaking about it, Kangana said, “For me, its always been about the impact you make on the society and how you contribute Farhan Akhtar all set to make his Tollywood debut. The 44year- old actor- singer- filmmaker will be crooning a song titled I Don’t Know for Mahesh Babu’s upcoming movie Bharat Ane Nenu. Music composer Devi Sri Prasad took to Twitter to announce the news and added, “It was Electrifying workin with U sir ! U Rocked ! All r gona Love it! Thank U! ( sic).” Responding to his tweet, Farhan replied, “@ ThisIsDSP thank you .. it’s your belief & perseverance in response to my anxiety that shaped the studio session.. big hug ( sic).” Mahesh, too, took to Instagram to welcome Farhan in Tollywood. In the video posted, you could see Farhan speaking in Telugu “Farhan ane nenu, first time Telugu lo padanu,” where he is informing his fans that this is his first Telugu song. Interestingly, Farhan and Mahesh have been friends for quite some time now. Back in the day, Mahesh supported Farhan’s social initiative, Men Against Rape and Discrimination ( MARD), and even recieted the MARD poem in Telugu. is to it. Sharing the Stage with Michelle and Oprah will be inspiring. I've never been anybody’s fan but I admire and idolise women like Oprah. Once I get back to Mumbai, I will know exactly what I will be talking on and I will prepare my speech.”