Aditi Rao Hydari has emerged as one of Indian cinema’s most versatile and captivating talents, seamlessly transitioning between Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu films while consistently delivering nuanced performances that resonate with audiences and critics alike. Her journey from royal lineage to cinematic excellence showcases not just her remarkable talent but also her dedication to meaningful storytelling across diverse genres.
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The Artistic Journey of Aditi Rao Hydari: From Classical Dancer to Screen Icon
Born into the distinguished Tyabji-Hydari family on October 28, 1978, in Hyderabad, Aditi’s aristocratic roots run deep. Her paternal grandfather, Akbar Hydari, served as the Prime Minister of Hyderabad State, while her maternal grandfather was Raja J. Rameshwar Rao, the last ruling Raja of Wanaparthy. Despite this privileged background, Aditi has carved her own path in the entertainment industry through sheer talent and perseverance.
Aditi’s artistic foundation was laid early when she began training in Bharatanatyam at age five under renowned dancer Leela Samson. This classical training instilled in her a profound understanding of expression and movement that would later define her screen presence. After completing her education at Rishi Valley School and Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University, she joined Samson’s dance group Spanda, performing across India and abroad before transitioning to acting.
Her cinematic journey began with the Malayalam film Prajapathi (2006), followed by the Tamil period drama Sringaram (2007), where she portrayed a 19th-century temple dancer. However, it was her Hindi debut in Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s Delhi-6 (2009) and her breakthrough performance in Sudhir Mishra’s Yeh Saali Zindagi (2011) that brought her widespread recognition, earning her the Screen Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Critical Acclaim and Commercial Success: Defining Moments in Aditi’s Career
Aditi’s career trajectory has been marked by thoughtful role selection across languages and genres. Her performances in films like Rockstar (2011), Murder 3 (2013), and Wazir (2016) demonstrated her versatility, while her collaboration with Sanjay Leela Bhansali in Padmaavat (2018) as Mehrunisa earned her the IIFA Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Her foray into South Indian cinema has been equally impressive. Her portrayal of Leela Abraham in Mani Ratnam’s Kaatru Veliyidai (2017) won her the SIIMA Award for Best Female Debut in Tamil, while her performance in the Telugu film Sammohanam (2018) garnered a Filmfare Award nomination. Other notable projects include Chekka Chivantha Vaanam (2018), Sufiyum Sujatayum (2020), and Maha Samudram (2021).
Heeramandi: The Crowning Achievement of 2024
The year 2024 marked a significant milestone in Aditi’s career with her portrayal of Bibbojaan in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Netflix series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. Her performance as a courtesan in British-ruled India fighting for her dignity and freedom showcased her exceptional range and emotional depth.
Speaking about the series’ impactful finale in an exclusive interview with News18, Aditi reflected, “For me, I think the end of Heeramandi where Bibbojaan met a very heroic end was very beautiful. It was difficult because there’s romanticism and poetry to it, but at the same time there is also a heroic and very painful end to the character.”
Her portrayal in Heeramandi earned her the Best Actor (Female) Popular award at the OTTplay Awards 2025, cementing her status as one of the industry’s most accomplished performers. During the awards ceremony in Mumbai on March 22, 2025, she delighted the audience by singing Lata Mangeshkar’s classic song Lag Jaa Gale, showcasing her multifaceted talent.
Personal Life: A New Chapter with Siddharth
In her personal life, 2024 was equally momentous as Aditi married actor Siddharth on September 16, 2024, after they met on the sets of Maha Samudram in 2021. The couple got engaged on March 28, 2024, at Ranganatha Swayam Mandir Mandapam in Srirangapur, Wanaparthy district of Telangana.
Their relationship has been characterized by mutual respect and admiration for each other’s craft. In a recent interview, Aditi affectionately referred to Siddharth as her “personal unicorn” and “endless subscription to laughter,” highlighting the joy he brings to her life.
Upcoming Projects: Expanding Horizons
Looking ahead, Aditi’s upcoming projects include Gandhi Talks, a silent film directed by Kishor Belekar featuring A.R. Rahman’s music and co-starring Vijay Sethupathi and Aravind Swamy. She’s also set to appear in Lioness, the first official BFI and NFDC co-production, where she plays Mehak in a narrative spanning two timelines that explores the suffragette movement through the lives of two British-Punjabi women a century apart.
Despite her global popularity following Heeramandi, Aditi recently revealed that she experienced a “drought” of interesting offers afterward. “I thought it’s going to be a bauchhaar (downpour) of interesting stuff,” she shared, highlighting the ongoing challenges even established actors face in finding meaningful roles.
The Essence of Aditi Rao Hydari: Grace, Talent, and Authenticity
What sets Aditi apart in the industry is not just her acting prowess but also her approach to storytelling. As a jury member at the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024, she emphasized the importance of narratives that resonate and linger: “What I look for is that it should tell a story that stays with me… that leaves me with the imagination of what happens next.”
Her dedication to her craft, combined with her classical training and royal lineage, has created a unique screen presence that blends traditional grace with contemporary relevance. Whether portraying historical figures or modern women, Aditi brings authenticity and emotional depth to every role.
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FAQs
What awards has Aditi Rao Hydari won for her performance in Heeramandi?
Aditi won the Best Actor (Female) Popular award at the OTTplay Awards 2025 for her portrayal of Bibbojaan in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Netflix series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. Her performance has been widely acclaimed for its emotional depth and nuance.
How did Aditi Rao Hydari meet her husband Siddharth?
Aditi met Siddharth on the sets of the Telugu film Maha Samudram in 2021. Their professional relationship blossomed into romance, leading to their engagement on March 28, 2024, and marriage on September 16, 2024.
