FEBRUARY 2014

POINT
OUT
t was in Mumbai that she
developed the passion to work in
films. She got her initial break as a
teenager when she was signed for
a popular comedy TV serial, Hum
Panch directed by Ekta Kapoor
64
FEBRUARY 2014
My work is an extension of my
beliefs. I don’t think I am an activist
at all. I am an actor first and I try
using that to leverage attention to
some of the causes I am associated
with. I think I am a humanist
Vidya Balan, written off after her initial
few films, came back to rule box office and
become heartthrob of millions and the darling
of critics. She gave a glimpse of her talent
through Parineeta, Paa, Ishqiya, No One
Killed Jessica and The Dirty Picture.
These strong and unconventional roles
earned her a national award, five film fare
awards and five screen awards in the last few
years. But the top of these awards would surely
be Padma Shri awarded to her by Government
of India on the 65th Republic Day, on
January 26, 2014.
Overwhelmed with the honour, Vidya
termed the award very special and dedicated
it to her family who has been her support
through the ups and downs.
Born in Palghat, Kerala, Vidya’s parents
re-located to Mumbai where she had her
early education at St. Anthony Girls’ High
School and later did her masters in sociology
from Mumbai University. It was in Mumbai
that she developed the passion to work in
films. She got her initial break as a teenager
when she was signed for a popular comedy
TV serial, Hum Panch directed by Ekta Kapoor.
After the early stint with TV serial getting
a role in Hindi films became difficult
and when they came she could hardly make
an impact. However, she was confident about
her talent and continued her struggle relentlessly,
modeling with top brands, till Parineeta
happened. The film got her the first Film
Fare award. There was no looking back. She
churned out some scintillating roles in Paa,
Ishqiya and The Dirty Picture that got her
more awards and established herself as the
best Bollywood actor.
Besides, her tight schedule in films, Vidya
has espoused a strong interest towards social
causes — especially relating to empowerment
of women and their education. She
has also been appointed by the Indian
government as the brand ambassador in
the drive to improve sanitary conditions
in the country.
Vidhya says, “My work is an extension
of my beliefs. I don’t think I am
an activist at all. I am an actor first
and I try using that to leverage attention
to some of the causes I am
associated with. I think I am a humanist.”
She says, Shabana Azmi has
been her greatest inspiration.
Even at this stage of her career,
Vidya is very choosy about her
roles and likes to play roles that are
different.
She is willing to take up the challenges
and also keen to live up to
them.