For Aditi Rao Hydari, travel is more than just a getaway—it’s an ongoing journey of exploration and connection. In an exclusive conversation with The Pioneer, she reveals
how her wanderlust goes hand-in-hand with her belief in inclusivity and understanding
Tejal Sinha
tejal.sinha30@gmail.com
Where the spotlight fades, a new script unfolds. For Aditi Rao Hydari, an acclaimed actress and wanderlust enthusiast, the world is a cinematic canvas waiting to be explored. Beyond the silver screen, Aditi’s true blockbuster is the uncharted territory of travel—a journey that weaves together culture, creativity and self-discovery.
With an ancestral heritage rooted in Hyderabad’s rich history and a heart that beats for the unknown, she traverses the globe with an insatiable curiosity. Her travels are a sensory exploration of the world’s diverse landscapes, cuisines, art forms and human stories. From the majestic forts of Rajasthan to the tranquil beaches of the Maldives and from the vibrant streets of Europe to the mystical monasteries of the Himalayas, the Hey Sinamika fame’s adventures are an attestation to her zest for life. As she navigates the intersection of tradition and modernity, her travels inspire her craft, nourish her soul and broaden her perspective. Through her experiences, she uncovers hidden gems, forges meaningful connections and celebrates the beauty of our world—one frame, one story and one journey at a time.
As a self-proclaimed wanderlust, her love for travel stems from her curiosity about different cultures and her belief in inclusivity.
“I love travelling because I’m one of those wanderlusts,” says the Ajeeb Daastaans fame as her enthusiasm was pretty evident in this chat with
The Pioneer.
Her love for travel goes far beyond sightseeing; it is deeply rooted in her curiosity for different cultures and her belief in the power of human connection. The Maha Samudaram fame views travel as an opportunity to immerse herself in the stories of people and places rather than just observe them from a distance.
“I love it! I’m curious about different cultures. I never look at anybody as the other. I believe in inclusivity.” Travelling for her isn’t just about exploring new landscapes but about understanding the diverse ways in which people live, think and express themselves. “It’s really about human beings,” she gushes as she adds, “It doesn’t matter where they’re from, where you are from, or what food they eat. It’s just about the connection of hearts and you do that when you travel.”
The Murder 3 actress’ love for travel extends to the way she experiences new places. She is not one for rigid itineraries or packed schedules. “I am a traveller with a vivid imagination. When I travel to a place, I prefer for the day to happen smoothly. I dislike busy schedules. I favour genuine and engaging experiences,” she enthuses. The Sammohanam leading lady firmly believes that the best way to truly experience a city is with the guidance of a local. “The most effective way to discover a city is with the guidance of a resident. This enhances the overall experience,” she affirms. For Aditi, travel is about connecting with the heartbeat of a place and this is something she learned early in life.
She recalls her favourite travel moments, particularly with her partner, Siddharth, who shares her passion for spontaneous exploration. “We love to just get lost in a new city,” she says with warm love for her hubby. “I think that’s the fun of travelling with him.” Their last adventure together took them to Milan and Florence, where Aditi had the added joy of connecting with family, as her cousin lives in Milan. “It was a lot of fun,” she reflects with a warm tone.
India, with its vibrant diversity, is another source of inspiration for her travels. “India is so rich and diverse. I can’t say one place because there are so many places in India and that’s what makes us special,” she shares. For her, celebrating India’s cultural diversity and unique stories is essential and she hopes the country will continue to embrace and celebrate these differences. While she has travelled extensively, she expresses a particular longing to explore parts of India she hasn’t yet discovered, especially the Northeast and parts of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. “At this point, my bucket list is the North East,” she says with excitement.
Reflecting on an early travel experience, our dearest Bibbojaan recalls her trip to Udaipur at the age of 19, where she went with her teacher and friends to attend a dance concert. “I recall visiting the Shrinathji Temple in Nathdwara at four o’clock in the morning,” she says, her voice softening at the memory. “The simple beauty of the temple left me in awe. Additionally, being there on January 1 added to the uniqueness of the morning.” These moments of spiritual connection remain etched in her mind as some of the most powerful experiences of her life.
Growing up in Hyderabad, Aditi was surrounded by warmth and hospitality, which, in her view, is a hallmark of Indian culture. “I hail from Hyderabad, where the locals are extremely generous and welcoming towards visitors,” she explains. “I believe Rajasthan reflects similar feelings—the locals are welcoming and amiable, they go out of their way to ensure visitors feel comfortable and the cuisine is outstanding.” She admires how Rajasthan’s local culture, with its deserts, lakes, mountains, art forms and music, creates an enchanting atmosphere. “There is a vast array of things to discover, ranging from deserts, lakes and the Aravalli mountain range to various traditional art forms, music, delicious food and handicrafts. Rajasthan possesses a lively essence that gives daily life a sense of enchantment.”
Of course, known for it’s rich culture and stunning architecture, as a child, the li’l Aditi was captivated by the traditional arts of Rajasthan. “My mother would bring me to see puppet shows and Kalbeliya dance performances. I was captivated by every performance in the past,” she recalls. The music of the Manganiyars and Langas also holds a special place in her heart. “Their songs evoke strong emotions in me, making me feel overwhelmed by their hauntingly beautiful melodies.”
“During my childhood, I was taught to embrace a wider array of individuals, customs, societies and languages,” the Bhoomi fame says. “When you immerse yourself in the local lifestyle, you gain a deeper insight into the heartbeat of the location—sociologically, historically and culturally.” For Aditi, travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about truly understanding and connecting with them on a profound, human level.
Her approach to travel is deeply personal and profoundly enriching. It’s not just about visiting new places, but about forming lasting connections and gaining a deeper understanding of the world through the eyes of its people. As she continues to explore the uncharted corners of India and beyond, her journey is a reminder that travel is not just about destinations—it’s about the stories we gather, the experiences we cherish and the hearts we touch along the way.
Quote:
I have my favourite travel partner with me, Siddharth, who is very much like me and we love to just get lost in a new city. I think that’s the fun part of travelling with him
