Aditi Rao Hydari, the talented actress who recently graced the red carpet of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, shares her experiences and thoughts on beauty standards, fashion, and cinema. As one of the faces representing L’Oreal Paris at this glamorous event, Aditi Rao Hydari revealed the significant efforts that go into presenting oneself on such a global platform, involving countless fitting sessions and sleepless nights.
On Thursday, Aditi dazzled in a strapless monochrome gown, elegantly styled with a subtle lip color and an updo, embodying her natural and inherent fashion sense. However, her “Gajagamini walk,” a unique stride she adopted while on the Cannes red carpet, has since gone viral on the internet. This was not just a walk but a bold statement aimed at breaking the conventional beauty standards that dominate the entertainment industry.
Reflecting on her journey in the fashion world, Aditi Rao Hydari shared, “I don’t try to prove anything to anyone. When I was starting out, people had a lot of advice to give me. For the promotions of my early films, I’d wear jeans and a shirt. People started saying, ‘Get a hairstylist, be glamorous, and wear heels.’ [I] felt the need to conform. That change [in mindset] happened in 2016 when I worked with Mani [Ratnam] sir. Subsequently, I’ve never let fashion play heavy on me.”
This shift in mindset has significantly shaped her career, allowing her to embrace her true self without succumbing to external pressures. Her recent appearance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar brought her “Gajagamini walk” into the limelight. This walk symbolizes a defiance against the ‘manufactured idea of beauty’ that society often imposes.
Speaking about her experience, Aditi said, “Sanjay sir had asked me to put on some weight. Then I got COVID-19 and became so skinny that everyone overfed me. I put on a few kilos when I went to shoot the song. I suggested losing weight, but Sanjay sir said, ‘You’re beautiful. You’re not a 2020 heroine, but a 1940’s woman.
.’ Today when I see how that has made people feel, it feels wonderful. People have written in to say that they feel seen. We’re stuck in a manufactured idea of beauty, and it took Sanjay sir to show that other body types are as beautiful. In our tryst to be healthy, we have normalized a particular body type. But all body types are beautiful.”
This sentiment has resonated deeply with many individuals who feel the pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. Aditi’s stance challenges these norms and encourages self-acceptance and body positivity. Her influence extends beyond her roles in cinema, as she uses her platform to promote a more inclusive and realistic understanding of beauty.
The Cannes Film Festival, renowned for its extravagant displays of fashion and luxury, is also a haven for cinema enthusiasts. Aditi Rao Hydari acknowledged this dual nature of the festival, stating, “It depends on the intention of the person. There are countless cinephiles there, who watch films all day long. The media also needs to report more diversely. This year, we have a film in the competition section [All We Imagine as Light]. Payal’s [Kapadia, director] mother is my mom’s friend. I want to catch her film!”
Hydari’s observation sheds light on the diverse aspects of the Cannes Film Festival that sometimes get overshadowed by the glitzy facade. While fashion plays a prominent role, the festival remains a critical platform for showcasing cinematic brilliance and fostering a love for films.
As Aditi Rao Hydari continues to make her mark in the film industry, her commitment to challenging societal norms and advocating for body positivity sets her apart as more than just an actress. She is an influential voice for change, inspiring many to embrace their true selves and reject the restrictive ideals that have long dictated beauty standards in the entertainment world.
Her journey from feeling the pressure to conform to confidently embracing her individuality reflects a broader cultural shift towards self-acceptance and inclusivity. As audiences and fans resonate with her message, Aditi Rao Hydari continues to pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse representation of beauty, both on and off the screen.
