Aditi Rao Hydari opens up on paid PR, misinformation: ‘There’s an agenda behind it’

Aditi Rao Hydari

Aditi Rao Hydari has been in the business for over two decades. She has seen her share of ups and downs in the industry. She recently got candid about the darker side of fame. Opening up about smear campaigns, paid negativity, and the growing wave of misinformation online, the actor reflects on how she navigates constant scrutiny. Choosing grace over outrage, she leans on her mother's wisdom to stay grounded amid the noise.

Aditi Rao Hydari on paid PR campaigns

The Heeramandi actress believes smear campaigns against celebrities are not a recent phenomenon. "Celebrity smear campaigns aren't new," she tells HT, adding, "But I see it around me all the time. Occasionally, I come across random rubbish about myself. I ignore it because I know there's some agenda behind it."

According to the actor, the expansion of online platforms has blurred the line between fact and speculation. "There's so much misinformation on platforms that are supposed to be factual," says Aditi, adding, "Add paid negativity and hidden agendas, and it becomes toxic. Sometimes, too much information is a burden. The mystery surrounding actors has faded."

The actress says she chooses not to dwell on it. Recalling her mother's words, Aditi shares, "My mother always said when someone is mean, the issue lies within them. That thought keeps me centred."

Aditi Rao Hydari's upcoming movies

Aditi was last seen in the silent film Gandhi Talks. It chooses restraint, emotion, and stillness to communicate its message. It also stars Vijay Sethupathi, Arvind Swamy, and Siddharth Jadhav. The film is reportedly a black comedy exploring the contrast between Gandhi on currency notes and his ideals, focusing on a young man's struggle for money and his crossing paths with a thief.

Meanwhile, Aditi will be sharing screen space with acclaimed actor Pankaj Tripathi in the forthcoming family comedy Parivarik ManuRanjan. The shoot of the drama is presently underway in Lucknow. The family entertainer is based on a mismatched duo and is filled with laughter, love, chaos, and music.

The actress also has the Netflix drama O Saathi Re in the pipeline. O Saathi Re is created and written by Imtiaz Ali. The romantic drama, described as a "modern story with a vintage heart" set in a bustling city, also stars Avinash Tiwary and Arjun Rampal. It marks a reunion for Hydari and Ali after 2011's Rockstar.