Mumbai, July 2 -- As talks around better written female characters continue across the film industry, Aditi Rao Hydari believes the shift is real, but one that requires patience and conviction from the people making cinema. Asked whether Indian cinema is finally creating stronger opportunities for women, the actor says progress comes from actors and filmmakers making deliberate choices rather than waiting for change to arrive on its own.

"I do think things are changing, but change doesn't happen on its own. We have to ask for it, embrace it and make conscious choices. We need to be comfortable saying no when something doesn't align with what we believe in, and think about the long term rather than immediate monetary gain.

"For me, it's ...