#MasalaExclusive: Aditi Rao Hydari’s humble approach towards her opulent background is what Bollywood of 2022 needs

“When you’re rich at heart, you’re rich in life”

Bollywood Actress Aditi Rao Hydari sheds her light on the central theme of our July issue – Indian Opulence — while touching upon her royal Hyderabadi roots. They say Bollywood is any film fraternity’s royalty. While the Indian film industry is vast and has managed to produce some of the biggest stars worldwide, it has also been home to many newcomers. Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, and Salman Khan alongside many other megastars might have been considered royalty in Bollywood, but there are actually only a few actors who are from a royal bloodline. In a quick chat with Masala!’s Editor, Actress Aditi Rao Hydari shares her thoughts on Indian cinema.

Masala: Let us start by discovering who is Aditi Rao Hydari personally and professionally?

Aditi: On the personal front — I like to be a happy and positive person. I am a dreamer who believes in magic and unicorns. I am very sensitive and loyal. This means that I cannot hide how I’m feeling… you can see it on my face immediately — I’m super transparent that way! It’s a huge advantage but a massive disadvantage sometimes. Professionally, I’m similar but I love efficiency. You can find me multitasking and finding solutions, and I am super disciplined!

Masala: We’ve heard a lot of internet chatter on your royal Indian roots and how you are the great-granddaughter of Akbar Hydari and the grandniece of Muhammad Saleh Akbar Hydari. How far can we confirm this is true?

Aditi: I come from a mixed lineage. Both my parents, culturally and historically are incredibly inspiring families. The ‘royal bloodline’ title is your heritage and it sure is an honor — but ultimately, every girl can be a princess if it comes from her heart. Royalty is a feeling that doesn’t come from the crown you wear on your head — but from your heart!

Masala: What does your royal lineage mean to you, and has it played a part in your upbringing as a human being?

Aditi: A good human being is a good human being — and I’m someone who always stands by this ideology at all times. Respect, dignity, and credibility are qualities that earn you your royal title. I’ve grown up hearing that and has been instilled in me by my family in every step I have taken along the way.

Masala: What are your thoughts on opulence — has this word ever resonated with you?

Aditi: Effortless opulence is beautiful to me – either opulence or simplicity, both work wonders for me! I stand by the “less is more” philosophy.

Masala: Tapping to your professional side a bit – what films have you been working on recently, and what do you look forward to achieving next?

Aditi: Always a secret until it’s time for release! But I work in multiple Indian languages and I enjoy the challenges it comes along with. Plus with all that love and acceptance, it is truly a blessing. I get immense love from my fans in the Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi film industries.

Masala: If at an odd point in your life, someone asked you to choose between South Indian cinema and North Indian cinema – what would you choose?

Aditi: Indian cinema. We are the Indian film industry. I am immensely proud to be a part of the Indian film industry, as a whole, offering such diverse voices and styles and cultures.

Masala: So! Have you really got a Leela Bhansali film coming up next? How much is okay for us to ask you to tell us more?

Aditi: Hehehe, nope! I’ll keep my mouth zipped. However, I can’t wait for you guys to see the first look when it comes out.

Masala: Answer at first thought – do you think opulence has anything to do with being rich, which has anything to do with being an actor?

Aditi: Not at all. Opulence is about how full your heart is. If you are happy, — you are rich. I do not equate opulence with money but rather with someone’s personality, and how they make you feel. When you’re rich at heart, you’re rich in life.