Aditi: I don’t have a Godfather and I’m okay with it

Aditi Rao Hydari acknowledges that Wazir is a big release in her career. Ahead of the film’s release, the actress talks to SpotboyE about the film, how star kids have it easy and more. Excerpts:

Wazir is a big step in your career. How did it come your way?

I feel very privileged to be a part of Wazir. When you are an outsider in the industry, you’re quite dependent on others to give you memorable characters. I need a great director and a great script-writer to give me that role. So Wazir is a big deal for me. Bejoy (Nambiar, director) and his team took a couple of screen tests and a dance test, and I was roped in. When Bejoy told me that Amitabh Bachchan and Farhan Akhtar were also part of the movie, I flopped on a chair nearby. I was completely speechless.

Tell us about your role in the film.

Wazir is a thriller, but it’s also about relationships -- between Danish Ali (Farhan Akhtar) and Panditji (Amitabh Bachchan), between Panditji and Ruhana and most importantly, between Danish and Ruhana. Their unspoken love for each other is shown beautifully.

Were you nervous during your first day of shoot with Mr. Bachchan?

I was nervous, shy, intimidated around both of them – Mr. Bachchan and Farhan Akhtar. But I was absolutely fine once the camera started rolling. As the shooting progressed, I got to know them better. It was amazing of them to make me feel so comfortable; they were very encouraging.

How do you see your journey in the industry? Do you think Bollywood has given you your due?

I have been at it for 5 years. Till today, I don’t have a producer, director or actor backing me. Each day is a struggle, but I am also the kind of person who puts a positive spin on a difficult situation. While it’s tough, I still believe every step is one step forward. 
I believe in conducting myself in a particular manner, which also poses a challenge. But I am quite stubborn and stick to how I want to do things. There’s this famous song, ‘I’ll Do It My Way’. I really believe in that. And today, the fact that I am sitting here, talking about Wazir proves that belief counts for something.

Have you ever felt the need to have a Godfather?

I would’ve loved to have somebody who would hold me when I am falling, push me when I need the push. But the reality of the situation is that there is nobody. Also, I wouldn’t like to be in an awkward situation where I am indebted to somebody. That would mean compromising on certain things. But this is my reality and I am okay with it.

There are days when I am upset and I cry, saying, ‘That’s not fair’. One day, I burst out crying because a certain review said, ‘She has been wasted’. I called up my mom and she said, ‘That’s a positive thing because that means you have so much more to give. And if your potential has not been tapped, it’s the fault of the mechanism.’

You have your principles, but have there been cases when people tried to be your Godfather?

No, I never gave anyone that option. Also, when I say Godfather, I am not only implying what you are implying. I mean genuine mentors, who have seen you growing up, who know your parents. That situation cannot arise because I have not grown up in the industry.

Is that something you begrudge? Do you feel star kids get more opportunities?

They are from this business and they belong here. So it’s natural for them to get those chances. On certain days, one may feel that’s unfair. But I don’t grudge them that at all. Tomorrow, if I want to do something that my family has already been a part of, I’ll have a very easy inroad.

Having said that, in my family, every child has had to prove himself when he is working within the family. Over here, it’s easier because it’s given to you on a platter. You are completely groomed and ready when you enter. People like me -- we learn something new every day. But I think it’s unfair to grudge them because they have their own struggles. They have to face comparisons with their parents – that’s something we don’t have to face at all.

The talking point in the industry is gender inequality. Do you believe actresses should be paid on par with their male counterparts?

Yes, of course. I wish today, in 2016, it wouldn’t be a question that is posed to somebody. It should not even be something we debate about, it should be natural. But it all boils down to how we look at the business side of it as well -- because films are sold on the basis of heroes. When a heroine is approached to be part of a film, she will ask ‘Who is the hero?’ That needs to go. Also, everybody is working equally hard, so why should there be any discrimination? 


Thumbnail Image Source: facebook/HydariRaoAditi, Manav Manglani & Bharat Student