Aditi Rao Hydari slams 'paid negativity' and 'toxic' online trends: 'Celebrity smear campaigns aren't new'

Aditi Rao Hydari, now nearly two decades into her acting career, feels the entertainment world has become tougher to navigate due to the rise of “paid negativity” and agenda-driven narratives. The actress, who began her journey in 2006 with the Malayalam film ‘Prajapathi’, acknowledges that smear campaigns against public figures are not new.

Aditi Rao Hydari on the rise of online toxicity

Reflecting on the growing influence of digital media, Aditi highlights how online chatter often turns toxic. “Celebrity smear campaigns aren’t new," she tells Hindustan Times, adding, “But I see it around me all the time. Occasionally, I come across random rubbish about myself. I ignore it because I know there’s some agenda behind it." The actor points out that the flood of online content has made it increasingly difficult to distinguish verified information from speculation. “There’s so much misinformation on platforms that are supposed to be factual," says Aditi, adding: “Add paid negativity and hidden agendas, and it becomes toxic. Sometimes, too much information is a burden. The mystery surrounding actors has faded.”

Aditi Rao Hydari on staying calm amid criticism

Although Aditi admits that dealing with criticism isn’t always easy, she refuses to let it disturb her peace of mind. She credits her mother’s wisdom for helping her stay grounded. “My mother always said when someone is mean, the issue lies within them. That thought keeps me centred."

Aditi Rao Hydari on success, struggle and finding balance

Having built a diverse career that spans several film industries and formats, Aditi continues to draw attention with her recent performances in ‘Gandhi Talks’ and the 2024 web series ‘Heeramandi’. Both projects earned her critical recognition, yet she remains realistic about the nature of success in cinema. Hydari notes that artistic praise or box-office hits don’t necessarily guarantee steady opportunities, particularly for those without a film family background. “Talent exists beyond success and failure. But if you’re an outsider, success influences opportunities. Even after a hit, you wait for the right scripts. Commercial success doesn’t automatically sort your year," she says.

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