‘It’s about a fuller life’

God is within everyone, so one must love everyone. It’s not about escaping to find solace, but leading a fuller life while practising all-inclusive love, Vidya Balan tells Shalini Singh.

Do you make a distinction between religion and spirituality?

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God is within everyone, so one must love everyone. It’s not about escaping to find solace, but leading a fuller life while practising all-inclusive love. My biggest achievement spiritually has been that the time I take to bounce back now is much shorter, earlier I would brood for hours…

Any ‘god’ moments?

Lots. Things are not in our control as much as we think they are. Earlier I would constantly be on the phone. The window in my new house has a beautiful tree cover where I sit for hours, thinking nothing… I’ve realised this ‘me-time’ is very important.

How did your thoughts on spirituality shape up?

As a kid, I spent all my time in temples. Dad once said ‘bhagwan ko doosron ke liye bhi chhorr do (Leave god for others also)!’ Once, when I was in Class four and dad had a heart attack. Mom said if I would go to the temple, he would be ok. I didn’t even know what a heart attack was! All religions work on fear, if you do this, god will be happy etc. With time I realised god doesn’t punish, but loves unconditionally.

How do you define love and happiness?

Love is accepting people as they are, despite having different opinions. Happiness is when you feel that love. But when physical love comes into play, you begin to judge and want to possess. Maybe I’m old school (laughs), but sex is a special moment for two people, there’s a premium on it.

Any spiritual goals?

I’m extremely sensitive. I feel responsible for everyone around me. I can pray for someone but I’ve come to realise everyone has to bear their own cross.