By Hemisha Morarji.
“My mother always told me I could sing before I could talk.”
Dancer and actress began her career as a classical bharatanatyam dancer, having been trained since the age of 6. But the bubbly beauty made her step into Bollywood after director Sharada Ramanathan saw her perform a classical dance at a conference and offered her the lead part in 2007’s ‘Sringaram’. Since then, Aditi has enjoyed roles in hit films ‘Yah Saali Zindagi’, ‘Dilli 6’ and ‘Rockstar.’
During our conversation down the phone, Aditi discusses how heartbreak is good for us, being encouraged to sing, as well as her close bond with Ali Zafar…
What is London Paris New York all about?
London Paris New York is a love story in which two people connect and how their relationship changes and blossoms. They are separated by their lives and because of this; they seek each other out and develop a strong bond. It’s kind of an interesting situation, as these characters not only go on this journey together, but they also have their own journeys within them.
The film features three cities. Can you tell us a bit about each?
Yes, all three cities play on characterisations and symbolise the changing relationship between the two characters. London is very warm, sunny and this is where the character’s bond begins as a very innocent happy one. But then they move to Paris and although the city is romantic, it also has a very dark feel to it because of its gothic architecture and this is where the characters’ relationship becomes more intense. Then we have New York, which is a city that says, “Do what you want, be who you want” and it is here that the characters become fully developed.
We know that your character Lalitha is a middle class girl studying politics with a full scholarship. Can you tell us a little bit more about her?
She is very endearing. She’s idyllic and innocent about the ways of the world – she believes she can change it. Because of this, she’s very judgemental of things she doesn’t understand but in a very likeably way. It is only when she’s in Paris that she goes through change and begins to explore who she might be and then in New York, that’s when she begins to accept who she is and becomes more comfortable in her own skin.
You said in an interview that you loved the script. What was it that you loved about it?
It was one of those scripts that you love because you can connect with the story and the characters. I remember sitting alone in bed reading it and after two pages, I phoned my manager and told him I wanted to do the film. The story is so real and it deals with the fact that love can be very complicated. Because the characters are so endearing, you want to know what happens in the next scene and you really want them to get together. Plus, the story has a great mix of pain, joy, laughter and so on.
The film also deals with pain and heartbreak. What are your views on pain and heartbreak?
It’s an important part of the package. You can’t have love without pain, because that’s want makes love more passionate. When we survive pain, it makes us stronger and teaches is something about ourselves.
What was it like working with Ali Zafar?
Ali was great fun to work with. He has a great sense of humour and I have a lot of respect for him as an artist. Because my mother was a classical musician and I spent years performing traditional dance, I could easily connect to Ali both professionally and personally. We both believe that work is an art form and that there is no space for egos.
You sang two songs for the film. How did that come about?
As I said before, my mother was a classical musician, so I was brought up in a very musical environment. In fact, my mother always told me I could sing before I could talk (laughs). She would sing to me all the time and I would hum back. Because of this, my family always thought I would become a singer. But I was never confident with my singing abilities. It was only when I sang to the directors and they asked me to sing in the film, that I was like, “Ooookay so” (laughs).
(laughs) Ali said in an interview that you’re a brilliant singer. How do you feel about that?
That is very nice to hear. I feel very touched and of course, he’s very fond of me so he would be very complimentary. But I’m grateful to him, because he took me out of the bathroom and into the studio (with regards to my singing). And because I admire him so much, it’s always means much more when I receive compliments from him.
You were cast in your first film after the directors of Sringaram saw you perform a Classical dance performance routine at a conference. How lucky do you feel that you went from being a dancer to a Bollywood actress?
I think dancers and actors are very similar. In fact, I think they’re both an extension of each other. Dancing is a poetic form of communication, whereas acting is more real. But even when I was dancing, I’ve always wanted to act, but I never had any connections to the film industry. So I feel that if you send out a positive energy, your dreams will happen. There are many people who struggle to get into this difficult industry, so I always count my blessings.
Out of London, Paris and New York, which city is your favourite?
I would say London because I can relate to it on a personal level. I grew up in a household that was very traditional, but very liberal at the same time and I feel London is a perfect mix of both. It has a very strong culture and tradition, but it is also very modern and free-thinking and it is rare to find a place that is a balance of both.
What would you like to say to the Asian World readers?
I would like to say that this is the first film I have done and it is the beginning of my journey. It was made with a lot of love and I would like everyone to come and watch it because it will be a very beautiful experience. We need everyone’s support!
