Bengaluru, Feb 19 (.) Actress Vidya Balan opened up about her film career, the lessons she has learned from her roles, and her experiences working with Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan.
“It was crazy! You know, who would have thought that at 30… yeah, 30, I would be playing mother to a man who was 60… 60. It was just insane. That too Amitabh Bachchan. But it was a wonderful experience,” Balan recalled of her role in Pa during a fireside chat at Alliance Lit Fest held by Alliance University on Thursday.
“I had lots of reservations before I went on set. I was like, how will I behave with him? But when I went on set and I saw him as a guru, it made my performance… and his mannerisms were so like a 13-year-old. This man who acts like a 13-year-old, I forgot he was Amitabh Bachchan. That is the greatness of Amitabh Bachchan,” she added.
She also praised Abhishek Bachchan, saying, “And Abhishek and I… I enjoy working with Abhishek always. You know, we’ve done Guru also together. He’s a prankster, he’s full of life. But I think as an actor, there’s so much more Abhishek can do. I’m hoping that people cast him in interesting roles and people cast us together, and that we’re able to work together again. He’s really a wonderful actor. So I had a great time.”
Discussing the diversity of roles in Indian cinema, Balan said, “Our history is full of mythology, full of roles that offer exciting opportunities. I look forward to exploring them.”
Reflecting on her journey, she spoke about how her characters have shaped her understanding of life. “Every person you meet leaves a mark on you. When you play another person, inhabiting their world, thinking like them, it leaves a lasting impact. Every character teaches you something and frees you in some way,” she said.
On her breakthrough role in The Dirty Picture, Balan said, “I was at my biggest until then and still called the sexiest. I realized being desirable or appealing had nothing to do with body size. It was very liberating.”
She emphasized that films like Shakuntala Devi and other strong women-centric roles taught her, “You don’t have to be apologetic to be brilliant. You don’t have to play small to suit society’s standards.”
Speaking about early setbacks, Balan recalled her initial struggles in the South Indian film industry. “There were nights I cried myself to sleep. But every morning I chose to show up for myself. That resilience helped me move forward. If something doesn’t work out, it’s always for the better, because you’re being prepared for something bigger.”
She also shared insights on self-acceptance and body image, lessons she has carried through her films: “Your body is a temple. You need to honor it, take care of it, and appreciate it. Every role, every character has reinforced that journey towards freedom.”
Balan reflected on the broader impact of her roles: “Portraying strong, complex women has been transformative. Characters like these show perspectives you might not have considered and teach you lessons about life, confidence, and individuality.”
Concluding her discussion, Balan emphasied the interconnectedness of life and acting. “Being an actor is not just performing. It’s about learning from every interaction, every script, every character. Your journey through films mirrors your journey in life, and that is what makes cinema so powerful.”
. . ARN