Following her widely acclaimed performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Netflix epic Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, actor Aditi Rao Hydari has opened up about the unexpected career pause that followed. Despite the show’s success and the love she continues to receive from audiences, Aditi revealed that she has not yet signed a new project since the series premiered in May 2024.

In a recent conversation with Lilly Singh, Aditi candidly spoke about the persistent challenges women face in the entertainment industry. “After Heeramandi, it was wonderful. I got so much love, so much appreciation. So much everything. Have I signed my next show or film? No. I haven’t. I’m still waiting,” she said. She acknowledged the emotional and creative fulfillment the project brought but noted that meaningful opportunities remain elusive.

During the discussion, Aditi agreed with Lilly’s observation that women-led stories are often considered exceptions rather than the norm in mainstream entertainment. She also expressed skepticism about whether the success of shows like Heeramandi would lead to more big-budget, female-centric projects. “No, I don’t think so. I hope so. I hope there will be a change,” she said. Aditi emphasized the need to focus on storytelling over gender and reiterated that women deserve equal representation as they are equal participants in real life.

Heeramandi features a powerful ensemble cast including Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Richa Chadha, and Taha Shah Badussha. The series premiered on Netflix to critical acclaim, particularly for its visual grandeur and layered performances. Looking ahead, Aditi Rao Hydari will be seen in Imtiaz Ali’s upcoming series O Saathi Re opposite Avinash Tiwary. She also has a family-themed film titled Parivarik ManuRanjan in the pipeline, where she stars alongside Pankaj Tripathi. However, as of now, she remains in a waiting phase, reflecting a broader issue many female actors continue to face despite success and recognition.