Actress Aditi Rao Hydari, hailed for her powerful portrayal of Bibbo Jaan in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Netflix epic Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, revealed today that she has yet to lock in her next project ― despite overwhelming praise. In a candid chat with Lilly Singh, Hydari said: “I got so much love, so much appreciation. So much everything. Have I signed my next show/film? No. I haven’t. I’m still waiting.”
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Love, applause… but no offers yet
In the wake of Heeramandi, Hydari described the public reception as overwhelming. Yet that acclaim hasn’t translated into new contracts. “There was so much love,” she told Singh, “But yeah, I am still waiting.” The actress echoed sentiments she shared earlier this year—calling the post‑Heeramandi period a “drought” for professional offers.
Industry’s persistent barriers to women-led projects
Aditi also spoke about the broader landscape of the entertainment industry. Lilly Singh noted that women-centric shows often remain exceptions rather than the norm, a view Hydari fully endorsed. She added that the commercial success of Heeramandi alone may not be sufficient to ignite a wave of big-budget, women-led narratives. “No, I don’t think so. I hope so. I hope there will be a change,” she said – emphasising that storytelling must shift beyond gender biases.
The road ahead: upcoming ventures in sight
Despite the lull, Hydari’s calendar isn’t entirely empty. She is slated to appear in Imtiaz Ali’s forthcoming series O Saathi Re alongside Avinash Tiwary, and in the family entertainer Parivarik ManuRanjan with Pankaj Tripathi. These upcoming roles indicate she’s preparing for a resurgence, even as she awaits official announcements.
‘Heeramandi’: Fame, awards—and a trial for equals
Directed by Bhansali, Heeramandi launched on Netflix in May 2024, featuring an ensemble cast including Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Richa Chadha, and others. The period drama received mixed critical reviews yet achieved commercial success, winning five Filmfare OTT awards from 17 nominations. Hydari’s portrayal of the gentle yet resilient Bibbo Jaan struck a chord with audiences, boosting her visibility.
Yet, as Hydari has candidly admitted, even a high-profile success doesn’t automatically equal new opportunities. Her experience hints at an entertainment world where visibility needs to be matched by structural shifts—which are still lagging.
Looking back—and ahead
Speaking with Lilly Singh, Hydari admitted that while Heeramandi brought her immense love, she’s yet to capitalise on the momentum. She stressed that shifting cinematic narratives—where women-led stories are central—remains slower than hoped. “Women are equal participants in life and deserve equal representation on screen,” she firmly stated.
With O Saathi Re and Parivarik ManuRanjan in the pipeline, Hydari is poised for a comeback. These roles could mark a transition from the “drought” she experienced post‑Heeramandi to a sustained presence across genres.
Industry outlook: token gestures or true change?
Hydari’s candid reflections give shine to a persistent issue: critical acclaim and audience love don’t guarantee career momentum—especially for women. Despite Heeramandi’s success and a high-profile ensemble cast, the lack of immediate follow-up contracts underlines systemic inertia. The question now is whether Hydari’s upcoming projects can open doors for deeper shifts in Bollywood’s approach to storytelling and casting.
Her optimism remains intact. Each role she takes on is a step toward not just professional rejuvenation, but also the hope for a broader transformation in how female-centric narratives are valued—and greenlit.
By – Sonali