“What a brilliant director can do even with a character in a limited space!”

Aditi Rao Hydari is overwhelmed by the compliments and praise she has received for her brief, yet reminiscent performance as Mehrunisa, in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s epic drama, Padmaavat. “I never expected so much praise for such a brief role. But I can see why. My character comes across as the only source of positivity that’s pure and honest, in Khilji’s  life. She is the light in that deep well of Khilji’s consciousness,” she told media in India.  Billed as a guest appearance in the film’s credit roll, Aditi added, “While shooting I felt I was hardly there since I was hardly called to shoot. Only when I saw the film that I realised what a brilliant director can do even with a character in a limited space.” However, Aditi believes there is more to Mehrunisa than meets the eye, and credits the impact her role created, to Bhansali, who, she believes lent the character, fortitude and progressiveness. “Mehrunisa knows her husband is a monster. But she is not scared of him. She looks into his maniacal eyes without flinching and she wears the crown… Sanjay sir made her much more than just a victim of a sadistic marriage. She knows her responsibilities, and fulfils them with great dignity,”  Aditi is reported to have said.