Vidya Balan On Why She Broke 'Girl Next Door' Image With This Film

In an interview with SheThePeople, Vidya Balan opened up about her past struggles with body insecurity and how she triumphed over them, transforming her major insecurities into triumphs.

During the conversation, the actor revealed that she faced doubts when considering the role in The Dirty Picture, as it clashed with her established "girl next door" image in the industry and with the audience. These doubts deeply affected her self-confidence. However, she chose to trust her instincts and ignore the naysayers. Proceeding with the film proved to be a turning point, leading to one of the most successful ventures in her career.

How Vidya Balan Turned Her Biggest Insecurity Into Victory

Vidya Balan also shared her experience of being criticised for her weight, which fueled self-destructive behaviour and negative self-perception. This tumultuous relationship with her body led to feelings of resentment and constant self-rejection. Eventually, she had an epiphany that accepting and valuing her body was crucial. She came to acknowledge that her body played a vital role in her existence and recognised that her very life depended on it. She emphasised that her current position, being able to sit and share her story, wouldn't be possible without her body's support.

Balan also shared how she ensures that the roles she chooses genuinely capture the essence of who she is. She revealed, “Do I think, ‘This is the role I want to do, and this is me, Vidya Balan?’ No, that doesn't really cross my mind. But do I connect with it? Yes, that's vital for me. Maybe I don't personally relate, but perhaps I've encountered a woman like that somewhere in my life, or I've come across her in stories. These points of connection, even if indirectly, make it easier.”

She explained that for her, as an actor, enclosing empathy and finding that point of identification with the character is essential. "It's not about intentionally making every character like Vidya Balan, but naturally, some part of her seeps into them. It's not a conscious effort; it just happens. The roles I choose are a reflection of my beliefs. For instance, I don't see women as anything but strong, which influences the kind of characters I portray.”

Suggested Reading: Women Are Finding Their Voice, So Are Cinema's Stories: Vidya Balan