As actress Aditi Rao Hydari prepares to turn 40 on October 28, she is reflecting on nearly two decades in cinema with gratitude, self-awareness and a continuing desire to learn and evolve.
Looking back on her journey, Aditi says the most important advice she would give her younger self is to remain authentic, trust the right people and avoid the pressure of having everything figured out too soon.
“I would tell her to just happily be herself, not listen to the noise, trust the ones who will nurture her and challenge her. To not be in a hurry to have everything figured out. To enjoy learning, to always be curious, to be unafraid to make mistakes because you can and you will turn them around,” she said.
The actress acknowledged that her professional journey has not always been easy. However, she prefers to approach difficult experiences with gratitude rather than dwell on disappointment or situations she considers unfair.
“I choose to be grateful for every blessing, and the ability to overcome and not dwell on situations that feel unkind or unfair. It’s always been an uphill climb, but while every step uphill is tough, it’s a step up and as long as I am able to do that I’m grateful,” Aditi said.
At this stage of her career, she also emphasised the importance of recognising her worth and working with people who challenge her creatively while respecting her contribution.
She said she was determined to give her best, collaborate with those who expected high standards from her and choose projects where her work was valued.
“If people mess with me, deny me what I deserve then that’s on them… it’s their karma,” she added.
Despite approaching a milestone birthday, Aditi said she prefers intimate, uncomplicated celebrations over elaborate arrangements. With her birthday falling around Diwali, the festive season also brings back childhood memories.
For her, birthdays are an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones and feel grounded rather than follow a fixed schedule.
“I don’t usually make elaborate plans for my birthday. I like spending time with the people I love. For me, birthdays are more about feeling centered and rooted,” she said, adding that spontaneous plans often turn out to be the most magical and enjoyable.
As she enters a new decade, Aditi’s reflections underline her emphasis on personal growth, resilience, curiosity and staying connected to the person she has always been.
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