Aditi Rao Hydari on reuniting with Imtiaz Ali after Rockstar in O Saathi Re: 'Always craved to work with him; greed still remains'
Aditi Rao Hydari reunites with Imtiaz Ali for Netflix’s O Saathi Re in 2026. This emotional vintage drama co-stars Avinash Tiwary and Arjun Rampal, marking a challenging career milestone for her.
Last Updated: 04.21 PM, Feb 01, 2026
Aditi Rao Hydari's brief but unforgettable performance in Rockstar (2011), directed by Imtiaz Ali, was nearly 15 years ago. Many moviegoers have since urged the actor and the creative filmmaker to work more closely. The much-anticipated Netflix original series O Saathi Re will finally release soon, ending that wait. The initiative has had the usual air of secrecy since its announcement around a year ago. Avinash Tiwary and Arjun Rampal are among the ensemble cast members of this series, which is said to be a passionate love story taking place in a busy city with clear vintage overtones.
What do we know about O Saathi Re's progress?
Hydari recently discussed the creative process of the production and the distinct "on-the-go" spirit that Imtiaz brings to the set, while a final release date for the Netflix original is still up in the air as of February 2026.
O Saathi Re represents the realisation of a lifelong dream for Hydari. His impact as a creator, writer, and showrunner was profound throughout production, even though he co-directed with Arif Ali.
Why did Aditi Rao Hydari feel a persistent "greed" to work with Imtiaz Ali again?
In an interview with Pinkvilla, Hydari stated, "So Imtiaz is one of those directors I've always craved to work with. I was in Rockstar for a shorter period. So that greed to do a complete film with him still remains. Even in O Saathi Re, he was there for some portions. Quite a bit of it was also directed by Arif Ali. Imtiaz was the showrunner and the writer. He was also directing certain parts."
She highlighted Imtiaz's unique directing approach. She pointed out that the filmmaker frequently breaks through the normal technical barriers of the set to establish direct connections with the performers. "His energy and just the way he thinks, on the spur of the moment. He doesn't even sit at the monitor. He looks at you in real life. I find all of that really exciting. He's so on the move and on the go, and ideas are constantly coming. And it's very exciting," she added.
Beyond the vintage aesthetics, what defines the core experience of O Saathi Re?
The "vintage" style of the series has gone viral, but Hydari stressed that the profound emotional impact is what really makes O Saathi Re stand out. "It was very difficult as a concept, just in terms of it being an emotional drama," the actor said of the filming process, describing it as one of the most taxing of her career thus far.
"So there's a lot in it. As an actor, it was very challenging for all of us. And especially for me, I'd like to say, since I'm speaking about it, very, very, very challenging. But a challenge is what is fun," Hydari explained.
How did the prior working relationship between Aditi Rao Hydari and Avinash Tiwary benefit O Saathi Re?
Reunited in this production are Hydari and Tiwary, who appeared together in the mystery-thriller The Girl on the Train in 2021. "Avinash Tiwari, with whom I spent a lot of time on O Saathi Re, is such an amazing co-star. I loved working with him," Hydari said rapidly of Tiwary, praising his dependability as a collaborator in the story's difficult emotional passages.
Hydari also said, "I've worked with him before on The Girl on the Train. And I got along with him then, too. I trust him completely as a co-star and as a human being. And that really helps. He's a real buddy. I really enjoyed working with him."
What kind of presence did Arjun Rampal bring to O Saathi Re?
When asked about the film's other main cast member, Rampal, Hydari praised his unwavering charisma and encouraging presence on set. "Arjun Rampal, I think, is a universal crush for everybody. And he's such an amazing person. He's super cool. He's so chill. He's also a lot of fun to work with. He's very caring. He's very protective. He's funny," Hydari remarked.
In early 2026, word got out that O Saathi Re was supposedly wrapping up post-production. Industry experts predict a release sometime in the middle of the year, although Netflix has not yet dropped a trailer or teaser. Among this year's most anticipated digital releases, the project features Hydari, known for her subtle performances, and Imtiaz, for his history of crafting beloved romances.
O Saathi Re FAQs:
Q: When is the O Saathi Re release date on Netflix?
A: As of February 2026, Netflix has not confirmed a definitive release date for O Saathi Re. However, since the production is in the final stages of post-production, industry insiders suggest a mid-2026 release is likely.
Q: Is O Saathi Re a movie or a series?
A: O Saathi Re is an original Netflix series. It is described as an emotional romantic drama exploring a modern love story with "vintage hearts" and metropolitan undertones.
Q: Who is the director of O Saathi Re?
A: O Saathi Re is directed by Arif Ali (who previously directed She), with his brother Imtiaz Ali serving as the creator, writer, and showrunner. Imtiaz Ali also directed certain key portions of the project.