‘I don’t put my hand on anyone else’s shoulder to stand tall’

Vidya Balan now has a chance to return with a bang with the sequel Kahani 2 which is again directed by Sujoy Ghosh.
Bollywood Actress Vidya Balan. | AFP
Bollywood Actress Vidya Balan. | AFP

Vidya Balan last few films may not have worked at the box office but the reputation she has built with films such as The Dirty Picture, Ishqiya and Kahani still holds her in good stead. She now has a chance to return with a bang with the sequel Kahani 2 which is again directed by Sujoy Ghosh.

Kahaani or Kahaani 2 -- which role has been more challenging?

Honestly, at the point when I did Kahaani, that was the most challenging role for me, but I have grown in age and experiences and I think that at this point I understand my Kahaani 2 character Durga Rani Singh better. I couldn’t have done it four years ago; I am better equipped to do it today.

Why have you chosen a no-make-up look for Kahaani 2?

Sujoy (Ghosh, the director) wanted my look to be realistic and my make-up artist Shreyas specialises in the no make-up look. To protect the skin, we have applied a little bit of make-up -- we were shooting in Kalimpong and Sujoy wanted certain dryness to the skin due to the cold weather there. So we have given a slight texture to the skin. That’s how Sujoy saw Durga Rani Singh and that is the reason of the no make-up look.  

Was it a challenge for you to shoot the action sequences in this film?

I love hitting, punching and kicking and I get very few opportunities to do that.

Do you choose films based on a good story or your role or do you need both?

Sometimes the story and the role are both nice but I feel I should not do this film. What is good is relative because what I like may not be liked by you.

Would you say Sujoy Ghosh is a better writer or director?

He writes beautifully but on the set he is a director. That’s the balance that creates the magic on screen.

You have become a major star without co-starring with any male superstars. What would you say is the reason for your not teaming up with them?

It’s maybe because I have not had the opportunity. And I really like to stand on my own feet. I don’t put my hand on anyone else’s shoulder to stand tall ... not that anyone else is doing it; please don’t mistake me. What I am saying is that I am still standing on my own two feet, and I feel very proud about that.

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