'How dare you leave us?': Aditi Rao Hydari on navigating cat-mom guilt | Mother’s Day Exclusive

Aditi Rao Hydari with her cat - Photo via special arrangement

While the audience knows Aditi Rao Hydari for her ethereal grace and cinematic poise on screen, at home in Mumbai, she and her actor-husband Siddharth are the "designated treat dispensers" for their two Persian cats, Iggy and Ollie. In this exclusive conversation on Mother's Day, we dive into the charming, feline-led world of the Heeramandi actor. From their adoption story to navigating the relatable sting of cat-mom guilt after long shoots, Aditi opens up about the mindful connection she shares with her pets.

Aditi Rao Hydari on being a cat mom

The story of Iggy (Ignatius) and Ollie (Oliver) traces back to Hyderabad when her cousin informed her of a litter ready for adoption. Aditi, who collaborated with the premium cat food brand Sheba for their campaign 'Ignored to Adored', says that her felines run the house since everything revolves around them. "Siddharth and I are the designated treat dispensers," she states.

But with a hectic schedule and travel plans, Aditi admits that it gets difficult when she's away. "When I walk back into the house, they look at me like, 'How dare you? How could you do this to us?' They really give me attitude. So it's really hard. My cats actually behave a little like dogs, so they are very reciprocative."

What makes Aditi Rao Hydari a cat person

Aditi points out that people have this notion of cats being aloof, but they're not. She insists that they show love differently, and you have to leave your ego out of the equation. Despite working in a chaotic industry, the actor says that she doesn't bring it back home. "Pets are sensitive; they feel your energy," says Aditi.

The actor also mentions that many people say she looks like a cat. She recalls, "When I was little, we had a cat named Sufi. Everybody would say that we looked like sisters because we had similar eyes and face shape. I sound so silly to say this, but a lot of people say that I have a cat-like face."

Aditi: I'm not like a cat

While Aditi is a devoted cat mom, she has more of a golden retriever personality, at least according to her husband Siddharth. "I'm happy with people around me. But I can watch cats endlessly, mine or others'. They have so much self-respect, and they're so dignified. They are so beautiful, and they live life on their own terms. You have to earn their love. They don't just come and interrupt you. I find that incredible about cats, and it is something to be learned from," she concludes.