15 things you probably didn't know about Aditi Rao Hydari

With her regal features, effortless elegance and memorable performances, Aditi Rao Hydari has carved out a distinctive place for herself in Indian cinema. But there is more to the actress than her red-carpet appearances and on-screen roles. From her royal ancestry and classical dance training to a childhood dream of working with Mani Ratnam, here are 15 lesser-known facts that offer a closer look at the star.

1. She Has Royal Roots on Both Sides of Her Family

Aditi's regal aura comes with an equally fascinating family history. The actress traces her ancestry to Muhammad Saleh Akbar Hydari, a former prime minister of Hyderabad, as well as Raja J. Rameshwar Rao of the Wanaparthi family. Her connections to two prominent lineages make her family background as intriguing as her on-screen persona.

2. Kiran Rao Is Her First Cousin

There is a Bollywood connection in Aditi's family tree that you might not have known about. The actress is first cousins with filmmaker Kiran Rao, Aamir Khan's former wife. While Aditi has built a career in front of the camera, Kiran has made her mark behind it as a director and producer.

3. She Began Learning Bharatanatyam at age five

Long before she stepped in front of a film camera, Aditi was learning to express herself through dance. She started training in Bharatanatyam at the age of five under celebrated dancer Leela Samson. The years spent mastering the classical form helped shape her graceful movements and expressive screen presence, qualities that continue to stand out in her performances.

4. Her Acting Debut Was Rooted in Classical Dance

Aditi's first film was the Tamil period drama Sringaram, released in 2006. The film revolved around the life of a temple dancer, making her Bharatanatyam training particularly relevant to the role. It was a fitting introduction to cinema for someone whose relationship with the performing arts had begun years earlier.

5. She Graduated in Sociology

Beyond her artistic pursuits, Aditi also has an academic side. She graduated in sociology from Lady Shri Ram College for Women at the University of Delhi. While her career eventually took her towards cinema, her time at one of Delhi's well-known colleges formed an important part of her journey before the spotlight found her.

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6. She Has Explored Playback Singing Too

Acting and Bharatanatyam are not the only creative pursuits Aditi has explored in her career. She has also tried playback singing, with projects connected to London, Paris, New York (2012) and the Hindi version of Ice Age 4: Continental Drift. It is another reminder that her interests in the performing arts go beyond what audiences usually see on screen.

7. Music Was Part of Her Upbringing

Aditi grew up with classical music close to home, thanks to her mother, Vidya Rao. A respected Hindustani classical singer, Vidya is particularly known for her work in thumri and dadra. With dance on one side and classical music on the other, Aditi's artistic upbringing was shaped by traditions that value expression, rhythm and storytelling.

8. Cape Town Has a Special Place on Her Travel List

When she is not working, Aditi enjoys travelling and discovering new destinations. Cape Town is among the places she has spoken about wanting to revisit. With its dramatic mountains, beautiful coastline and relaxed coastal atmosphere, the South African city offers a different kind of escape from the demands of the film industry.

9. Her Family Name Did Not Guarantee a Film Career

A royal background may sound like a head start, but Aditi has spoken about the challenges of finding her footing in the film industry. Her family connections did not automatically translate into acting opportunities, and she had to establish herself through her work. Her journey is a reminder that an illustrious surname and a successful career do not always go hand in hand.

10. She Likes Giving Old Furniture a New Life

Aditi's creative instincts are not limited to film sets and fashion choices. Among her lesser-known hobbies is painting old furniture, alongside colouring and practising yoga. She also enjoys spending time with her family in Hyderabad, offering a glimpse into the quieter, more personal moments that balance her busy professional life.

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11. Her Earliest Jewellery Memory Involves Her Grandmother

For Aditi, jewellery is connected to memories as much as it is to aesthetics. One of her earliest recollections is of her grandmother's necklace, featuring a nine-stone motif, Basra pearls and rubies. It is a beautiful reminder that behind the statement jewels celebrities wear today, there can be family heirlooms and personal stories that hold far greater meaning.

12. She Dreamed of Working With Mani Ratnam

Some career milestones carry a special meaning, especially when they fulfil a childhood dream. For Aditi, watching Mani Ratnam's Bombay helped inspire her ambition to become an actor. She later worked with the acclaimed filmmaker on Kaatru Veliyidai (2017), turning an early source of inspiration into a memorable professional experience.

13. Becoming a Doctor Was Once on Her Mind

It might be difficult to imagine Aditi in a career outside the arts, but medicine was once a serious consideration. She eventually realised that pursuing it could leave little room for the dance concerts she loved. Her decision reflects just how important performing was to her, even before acting became her profession.

14. She Studied at a School With an Unconventional Approach

Aditi attended Rishi Valley School in Andhra Pradesh, an institution shaped by the educational philosophy of J. Krishnamurti. Known for encouraging learning beyond conventional classrooms, the school incorporates activities such as farming and composting into student life. It is an interesting detail from her formative years, long before she became a familiar face in Indian cinema.

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15. Her First Meeting With Siddharth Was on Set

Aditi's love story with actor Siddharth began while the two were working on the Telugu film Maha Samudram in 2021. Recalling their first meeting, Aditi shared that he greeted her with, “Hello, beautiful girl.” Their on-set encounter eventually blossomed into a relationship, and the couple married in 2024 in an intimate ceremony at a historic temple in Wanaparthy, Telangana, that holds special meaning to her family.