23rd May 2024- Aditi Rao Hydari has taken the internet by storm once again with her recreation of the iconic ‘Gajagamini walk’ at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival Eve. Known for her elegance and grace, Aditi captivated audiences in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s web series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, where her character Bibbojaan performed this mesmerizing walk in the song ‘Saiyaan Hato Jaao’ during a mehfil. The walk has since become a viral sensation, endearing her to fans worldwide.
The Viral Sensation
The ‘Gajagamini walk,’ which features prominently in Heeramandi, has been the talk of the town ever since the series premiered. Aditi’s portrayal of Bibbojaan, coupled with her delicate and graceful movements, drew comparisons to the legendary actress Madhubala. Fans and critics alike praised Aditi for her performance, with the walk becoming a series highlight.
Aditi, who admitted in an interview that she was initially unsure about executing the walk, revealed that Bhansali explained its significance to her.
Recreating the Magic at Cannes
Currently attending Cannes 2024, Aditi Rao Hydari decided to bring a touch of Heeramandi to the French Riviera by recreating her famous walk. Not on the red carpet, but for the fans who are captivated by her ‘Gajagamini walk,’ she posted a video of herself holding an umbrella and gracefully walking, accompanied by the caption, “Walking to Cannes like…”
Aditi’s Reflections on the Walk
Aditi opened up about her experience with the ‘Gajagamini Walk,’ also referred to as the ‘Swan Walk.’ She expressed her initial uncertainty and how she had to rely on the expertise of her dance teacher and Bhansali’s vision to understand and perfect the movement. The walk, characterized by its fluid and elegant motions, required Aditi to embody a sense of ethereal beauty and poise, which she accomplished with remarkable finesse.
Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar
Directed by the visionary Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar is currently streaming on Netflix. The series boasts an ensemble cast including Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Sharmin Segal Mehta, Farida Jalal, Fardeen Khan, Shekhar Suman, and Adhyayan Suman. The show delves into the lives of courtesans in pre-independent India, weaving a tapestry of love, betrayal, and power.