Exclusive! 'For me, life extends beyond cinema and success - I work hard mainly to be happy': Aditi Prabhudeva

Aditi Prabhudeva's marriage has posed many concerns for her fans. While the actress herself has shared repeatedly in her many interactions that she isn't contemplating the idea of a sabbatical or an indefinite break from acting, the media, however, has been growing obsessed with her so-called future plans. In many ways, it's an unfair query to propose to Aditi, considering that she has earned a prominent place in the industry, completely on her own merit, which allows her the leeway to prioritise her life as she feels like, and also that most male stars, when found in her place, aren't made to feel sceptical about their acting careers. 

Regardless, it is apparent that the Triple Riding actress has chosen to not pay any heed to clamour around her and if those pictures with her now-husband Yashas Patla seem to suggest one thing, it is that she is extremely excited about this new chapter of her life. OTTplay managed to catch up with Aditi Prabhudeva a day before her wedding celebrations unfolded and talk to her about her future projects, the fears and insecurities that come with being an outsider, and much more. Excerpts...

At this very moment, it would be safe to say that you are one of the leading actors in the industry. Your filmography alone suggests that you have a varied kind of films in the pipeline: from Once Upon a Time in Jamaligudda to Thothapuri 2, there's stuff across the range. So, how do you feel about your career at this point?

To be honest, my definition of success is entirely different. If I were to objectively see myself as one of the top actresses of the current times, I would still feel that my growth is not even one-fourth of what some of the actors of the past have achieved. In fact, I don't think I can get there any time soon. And it isn't just in the case of actresses but any artiste, regardless of their gender, has to deal with the idea of validity and going out of date or style. When it comes to me, I'd say that even though I am young, fit and healthy, good-looking, and fairly accomplished, I still wouldn't deem all that as "success", per se. For me, it's about striking a good balance and ensuring that 5 or 10 years, people around are still looking up to me in some way or the other - doesn't have to just be through cinema. I can definitely utilize the faith put in me in different ways and stand out. 

So, in that sense, are you able to detach yourself from the lure of cinema?

To an extent, yes, but coming into this industry as a middle-class girl with no backing whatsoever, I feel I have been given so much already. I didn't know the city of Bengaluru properly but cinema, as it turns out, has given me more than even my parents could manage. For that, I will also be indebted and I will most certainly reciprocate in some way or the other in the future. That said, I also don't want to turn my focus towards my personal life only when I am exhausted with work - the reason I work hard is to be happy and if my personal life doesn't turn out the way I want it to, then what's the point? You need someone by your side to share your happiness, highs and lows, and if the balance isn't struck, I don't feel any kind of success is worth it.

Let's talk about the small break you'd take post marriage. Do you suppose, in any possible way, there could be a change in perspective towards storytelling and the characters you pick? Or is it too early to speak?

I'll be honest and say that, yes, the thought did cross my mind. Many people around me did wonder why I shared the news of my engagement but I signed on to be part of two big projects after that. So, if it's about perspective, I don't know if will look at acting differently but I can tell you that I feel more secure and confident as an actor now (after getting engaged). I might not have shared this before but to be honest, I had always felt lonely and weak as an actor and although I'd put on an impression that I am strong and all that, there was a sense of insecurity inside. Be it stepping out socially on my own or interacting with others, I would feel quite tentative because you know how the industry works - the silliest of things become gossip, especially in the case of female actors. It was a weird lifestyle too wherein I had to be secretive about whom I am meeting or even getting a cup of coffee with someone. But now, I feel like a free bird and that's because Yashas has my back. The past year has been quite liberating for me.

This sense of insecurity and fear that you refer to - is that the case with all female actors in the industry? Or is it very subjective?

It is subjective because it all comes down to how you have grown up and the environment that surrounds you. For instance, I might seem like a very affable, extroverted person on the outside but only I know the kind of effort that goes into it. Even though I prefer to be in my own little space and not interact much, I have to be this bubbly, cheerful girl because that's the image the public prefers. And I say this not because the industry forces you to be a certain way - in fact, as I've said already, the industry has given me so much and I can never pin any blame on it. I take this stress of being very careful because that's I have grown up. 

In essence, you are ensuring that any kind of "controversy" or negative news doesn't harm your family. Is that it?

Yes, exactly. See, there is so much stress already around us so it's best we avoid the unnecessary stuff. That's my only mantra.

And do you plan on staying away from the action for a long stretch of time?

Actually, if you look at the number of films that I have lined up, it will take a few months easily before they all release. So, even IF I choose to take a break, the audience will not feel that I was away for long. And with the OTT thriving currently, it would be easier for actors to balance personal and professional lives - but it ultimately depends on how much the audiences love you.