Vidya Balan: A Journey Of Bold Choices And Iconic Roles

Vidya Balan has become a trailblazer in Bollywood, known for her powerful performances, bold film choices, and unwavering commitment to her craft. As she celebrated her 46th birthday on January 1, let’s take a look at some of her most iconic films that have not only redefined her career but also reshaped the landscape of Indian cinema.

Parineeta (2005)

Vidya’s Bollywood debut was nothing short of impressive. In Parineeta, she portrayed the role of Lolita, a woman caught in the throes of love and societal pressures. Directed by Pradeep Sarkar, her chemistry with Saif Ali Khan was widely praised, earning her critical acclaim and paving the way for an illustrious career in Bollywood.

Paa (2009)

In this unconventional drama, Vidya Balan played the role of a single mother to a child with a rare genetic disorder, portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan. The film was a bold choice for Vidya, as she said  to the media, “When I heard the narration, I was completely blown away. There was a hunger in me that I just wanted to do this role… but people told me I shouldn’t play a mother in films because I would be typecast. In this film, I would play a mother to a 67-year-old actor – The Amitabh Bachchan – but I thought, ‘What am I acting for if I don’t take up these roles?'”

The film, directed by R Balki, was a major success and showcased Vidya’s ability to take on unconventional roles.

The Dirty Picture (2011)

Vidya’s portrayal of the bold and unapologetic South actress Silk Smitha in The Dirty Picture remains one of her most iconic performances. She won the National Film Award for Best Actress for her role in the film, which was a box office success. Directed by Milan Luthria, the film also starred Emraan Hashmi, Naseeruddin Shah, and Tusshar Kapoor.

Kahaani (2012)

In the gripping thriller Kahaani, Vidya Balan played Vidya Bagchi, a pregnant woman searching for her missing husband in Kolkata. The film, written and directed by Sujoy Ghosh, became a cult classic. Vidya’s powerful performance, alongside Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Saswata Chatterjee, was integral to the film’s success.

Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007)

Vidya Balan showcased her versatility in Bhool Bhulaiyaa with her role as Avni, a woman who becomes possessed. Her performance, alongside her dance sequences, was widely appreciated. Directed by Priyadarshan, the film starred Akshay Kumar and became a hit. Vidya Balan later reprised her role as Manjulika in the third installment of Bhool Bhulaiyaa.

Personal Milestones

Vidya Balan married Siddharth Roy Kapur in 2012 and was honored with the Padma Shri in 2014 for her contributions to Indian cinema.

Through her diverse roles, Vidya Balan has not only proven her acting prowess but has also broken barriers and challenged stereotypes, cementing her place as one of Bollywood’s most respected and influential actresses.

Also Read: Vidya Balan Pays Photo Tribute To MS Subbulakshmi On 108th Anniv.