The worst is over now: Vidya Balan

Two films that did ­lukewarm business at the box office, a bout of bad health and a slew of ­controversies around her ­personal and professional life — it was a roller-coaster of a year for Vidya Balan.

Two films that did ­lukewarm business at the box office, a bout of bad health and a slew of ­controversies around her ­personal and professional life — it was a roller-coaster of a year for Vidya Balan. The actor, however, doesn’t stop being her positive self. “The year had been ­wonderful. I wouldn’t say I was not disappointed that Shaadi Ke Side Effects and Bobby Jasoos didn’t do well ... but I’m sure that was how it was meant to be.

And in between the two films, I went through a little bit of ill health. I had to take a few months off and opt out of a film (a Sujoy Ghosh ­project), so that was a tough phase, but the worst is over now and touchwood, I’m ­feeling very good. I’m ­shooting for Mohit’s (Suri) film now,” says Balan, who turns 36. Asked if it’s going to be a big birthday bash, or a vacation abroad, she laughs, ­saying, “I’m not a party person at all. Normally, I take a holiday this time of the year, but I’m always back on the 30th (of December) to ring in my birthday with my family on the 31st night.”

Reminiscing about ­birthdays back in childhood, she says, “Birthdays were no-fuss affairs. We used to distribute chocolates and get to wear coloured clothes to school. And I remember on New Year’s eve at 11:45pm, where we used to stay in Chembur, we’d burn this old man’s effigy. It was symbolic of letting go of the old and ushering in the new. So, I used to go there, and then everyone would eventually wish me and I’d distribute chocolates there. So that’s ­something I really cherish.”

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