Stepping into the limelight with grace and elegance, actress Aditi Rao Hydari recently took to her Instagram account to share a series of captivating photos, showcasing her in a stunning black choli lehenga. The ensemble, which was rich in traditional design and meticulous craftsmanship, showcased her love for ethnic fashion. Beyond her impeccable style, Aditi chose this moment to impart a sentimental tale of her evolving relationship with a significant element of Southern Indian culture: the ‘bottu,’ also known as a bindi in Hyderabad.
The pictures on Aditi’s Instagram portrayed more than just a fashion statement; they narrated the story of a young girl’s initial reluctance to embrace a treasured tradition, eventually transforming into a deep-seated appreciation for it. The black bottu she sported stands as a perfect illustration of how tradition and modernity can blend beautifully. Accompanying the images was her heartfelt recollection, “The little black dot! I never wanted to wear a bottu when I was little. It’s so much a part of the southern Indian tradition, it doesn’t even count as dressing up.”
Aditi’s narrative took us back to the days when she used to watch her mother adorn herself with a kumkum bottu, a bindi made from turmeric and vermilion. Despite the simplicity of her mother’s adornment, it radiated beauty and left an indelible impression on young Aditi. Nevertheless, she resisted the accessory herself, preferring to maintain a minimalist look with her neatly plaited hair for dance class, sans the bottu.
The turning point in her story came during the filming of “Kaatru Veliyidai,” under the direction of the acclaimed filmmaker Mani Ratnam. Throughout the costume trials with designer Eka Lakhani and the challenging shoots in diverse locations like Ooty, Ladakh, and Serbia, the ‘little black dot’ became an indispensable part of her character and, by extension, a cherished part of her own identity. The bottu, once a symbol of her childhood defiance, had now become her ‘favourite little black bottu,’ a beloved symbol of her heritage.
The admiration for Aditi’s reflections and her graceful attire was palpable among her fans, who inundated the comment section with affectionate emojis and commendations of her beauty and poise. It was evident that her musings resonated widely, underscoring the power of traditional symbols in contemporary fashion.
While Aditi Rao Hydari captivates audiences with her screen presence and cultural narratives, she also looks forward to an exciting lineup of projects. She’s poised to make appearances in “Gandhi Talks,” a silent film featuring alongside Vijay Sethupathi and Siddharth Jhadav. Additionally, there’s anticipation for an Indo-British venture titled “Lioness,” as well as the much awaited web series “Heeramandi,” directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, all set to premiere on Netflix soon.
The emotional journey of Aditi Rao Hydari with the little black bottu symbolizes more than personal growth; it reflects a universal theme of revisiting one’s roots and uncovering beauty and significance in the traditions of yesteryears. As she continues to forge her path in the film industry, she compellingly intertwines the essence of tradition with the allure of modern storytelling.
