Her amber eyes give away only what she wants to. This sensuous beauty had an enviable debut with Parineeta. Meet Vidya Balan, the current muse of many in the film fraternity as she lets us into her technicolour world.
What was Eklavya — The Royal Guard experience like?
Eklavya is about Amitabh Bachchan and the vision of Vidhu Vinod Chopra. It was my long-cherished dream to be directed by Chopra, which came true with Eklavya. I have always been fascinated by the way he depicts women in his films. Be it Madhuri Dixit in Parinda or Manisha Koirala in 1942:A Love Story. He portrays his women with passion.
Working in a multi-starrer, does the paucity of screen space bother you?Not at all. For me the criterion is not the length of the role but it’s intensity. Be it Meenu of Guru or Rajeshwari of Eklavya, I would never play an inconsequential character.
What was it like working with Big B, considering that he is a big fan of yours?
He is an alma mater in himself! Though I have a very small sequence with him in the film, just being on the same set was a big kick. I heard from people about his presence and the effect it has on people. Working with him I experienced it too. It’s extremely generous of him to take note of my work.
You have worked with masters like Mani Ratnam, Pradeep Sarkar, Vidhu Vinod Chopra and newcomers like Nikhil Advani and Sajid Khan in Hey Baby. How different are they?
With young directors it’s a fun equation, while with senior directors, it’s more about learning every moment. I would say I have been most fortunate to have a dream debut and the best of names to work with.
You have worked with masters like Mani Ratnam, Pradeep Sarkar, Vidhu Vinod Chopra and newcomers like Nikhil Advani and Sajid Khan in Hey Baby. How different are they?
With young directors it’s a fun equation, while with senior directors, it’s more about learning every moment. I would say I have been most fortunate to have a dream debut and the best of names to work with.
Why did you opt out of Rituparno Ghosh’s film?
I had date problems with Rituda. But we will be working together very soon.
You have been refusing a lot of films. Don’t you think it’s too early to be so choosy?
I choose my films based on a gut feel. I am very new to the industry and still haven’t found a rationale for saying yes or no to a movie. Yes, I do refuse many films and still can’t give any particular reason for doing so.
Parineeta changed everything for you. Did you expect it to be so big?
I knew that Lolita would be a challenging character but never thought the film would go on to be so big. During the narration, I was told that Lolita was a simple but strong character. To do justice to her I did my homework. I watched the Parineeta films made in Hindi and Bengali. I also read the novel.
Everyone found you amazing in the film. You were compared to Madhuri Dixit for your Indian look and Rani Mukherji for the acting prowess.
Of course, a lot research went behind the characterisation. However, about the looks, the credit goes only to my parents and God.
What do you still find difficult to accept about the industry?
Initially, I used to be scared every morning to see my name in the papers.
Then came a point when I was being linked with of all people Pradeepda (Pradeep Sarkar)! It was too much to take and one day I broke down in front of my father. My dad gave me some sound advice. He said if you are right just continue on your path. Leave the rest to God.
Now I have accepted all this as part of the package. That’s why I could easily laugh off rumours about John and me! I think the famous song from the film AmarPrem: "Tu Kaun Hai, Tera Naam Hai Kya, Seeta Bhi Yahan Badnaam Hui" sums it best.