Vidya Balan took very little time to accept 'Bobby Jasoos' as she found the idea of a female detective in Bollywood as new and interesting role.
The 36-year-old actress, last seen on the big screen opposite Farhan Akhtar in 'Shaadi Ke Side Effects', says the film, produced by Dia Mirza and Sahil Sangha, was a fun-ride.
'Bobby Jasoos' marks the directorial debut of Samar Shaikh.
"I never imagined that someone will make a film about a female detective. It was an exciting idea and I connected to the story instinctively. I instantly said yes after listening to this story," Vidya told PTI.
The spy-thriller genre is dominated by men in both Hollywood and Bollywood with women being relegated to either playing the sidekick or glamour add-ons, so Vidya did not have much of a reference point to portray the part.
Vidya Balan, however, happily accepted the challenge.
"The experience was extremely enriching for me. We did a workshop before the film where we got to spend time with the director and writers. It made us like a team even before we started shooting. We put our best foot forward. I hope that good things happen to this film," says Vidya Balan.
The actress, best known for her films like 'Ishqiya', 'The Dirty Picture' and 'Kahaani', loves her job as an actor which gives her a chance to be different people.
{{/usCountry}}The actress, best known for her films like 'Ishqiya', 'The Dirty Picture' and 'Kahaani', loves her job as an actor which gives her a chance to be different people.
{{/usCountry}}"I love people and I think it's interesting that everyone is so unique. People really intrigue me. My work just gives me a chance to get into other people's shoes all the time."
Vidya Balan credits a change in attitude in Bollywood for the variety of roles that she is doing.
"I feel fortunate to be working in Hindi cinema when such scripts are being written. I once read the line 'be the change you want to be in the world' and I try to live by that. I am always up for challenges. Also, I get bored very easily, predictability exhausts me. This is why I am grateful that I am getting the kind of variety that I need."
Most of her films have been with relatively new directors and Sheikh is also a first-timer but she says it is not a conscious effort on her part.
"I react more to scripts and what directors inspire in me. Once I say yes to a film I jump into it headlong, so I need to entrust myself to the director. If a director inspires that trust then I am game. Every film is a new experience.
"There may be a director who has made 10 classics but that does not mean that his 11th will also be a classic. And it is possible that a director who has five flops behind him, comes with a great script and you still want to do it."