Aditi Rao Hydari may have captivated audiences with her ethereal grace and emotional depth in Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, but the post-release glow hasn’t yet translated into new opportunities for the actress. In a candid conversation with content creator and comedian Lilly Singh, Aditi spoke openly about the paradox many female actors face — that critical acclaim doesn’t always lead to immediate projects.
Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Heeramandi featured a stellar ensemble cast — including Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, and Aditi herself — and was lauded for its lavish visuals and powerful performances. Still, Aditi revealed that despite the immense appreciation she received, she has yet to sign her next film or show.
“After Heeramandi, it was wonderful. I got so much love, so much appreciation. So much everything. Have I signed my next show or film? No. I haven’t. I’m still waiting,” she admitted, her honesty highlighting a harsh reality in the industry.
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During their discussion, Lilly observed how stories centered on women are often treated as anomalies when they succeed. Aditi agreed without hesitation. “It is, yes. You are absolutely correct,” she said, acknowledging how female-led narratives are still seen as exceptions, not the norm.
When asked whether the success of Heeramandi would make it easier for similar high-budget, women-centric shows to be greenlit, Aditi responded with cautious optimism. “No, I don’t think so. I hope so. I hope there will be a change,” she said. “I hope storytelling becomes the focus — not the gender. Because women are equal participants in life, and they deserve equal representation in our stories too.”
While fans await news of her next on-screen appearance, Aditi does have a couple of projects in the pipeline. She will next be seen in O Saathi Re, an Imtiaz Ali-directed series alongside Avinash Tiwary. She’s also part of Parivarik ManuRanjan, a family entertainer that stars Pankaj Tripathi.
For now, however, Aditi remains in a space familiar to many female actors in the industry — admired, applauded, but still waiting.
By Sulagna Kar
