For Aditi Rao Hydari, becoming an artist has always been about staying curious, trusting her instincts, and finding a personal connection with everything she creates. From the dreams she carried as a child to the filmmakers who shaped her journey, her career has been guided by a desire to remain open to new experiences while holding on to the curious five-year-old within her. In Femina’s Cover Story, the actor opens up about finding authenticity in fashion and cinema, the artists and directors who changed the way she sees herself, the vulnerability of bringing intimate emotions to the screen, and why creating with intention and love remains at the heart of her journey.
Reflecting on the influence of her family and the artistic environment she grew up in, Aditi shares how her mother’s advice has continued to shape her understanding of being an artist: “If you are truly an artist, no one can undermine you. Despite ups and downs, the creation lies within you and that is your greatest gift – to keep creating with intention and love.”
While her career has been shaped by memorable roles and collaborations, Aditi remains more interested in what lies ahead than in looking back. “I rarely tend to look back,” she reveals. “I want to live in the present and learn and celebrate it, (and) I’m curious about the future.”
Aditi recalls wanting to become a Mani Ratnam heroine after being mesmerised by the filmmaker’s work. On the opportunity to work with him, she reflects, “Working with Mani Ratnam changed my life in every way. It made me believe in my dreams. It made me feel seen. It gave me the courage to be comfortable and accept the curious five-year-old within me.”
Opening up about the vulnerability involved in acting, Aditi admits, “I find it interesting that we show the very vulnerable parts of our hearts and minds while filming and then share them with the world. Anger, tears, love, and so much more, are feelings that we keep very private in our personal lives, but reveal on camera.”
Find out more about Aditi Rao Hydari’s journey, her approach to artistry and authenticity, working with husband Siddharth, and the importance of staying curious, present, and connected to her inner child in Femina’s September-October 2026 issue.