Vidya Balan: I have almost no industry friends

Vidya Balan’s upcoming film, ‘Begum Jaan’ is a story set against the backdrop of the post-Independence period when India and Pakistan were drawing the boundaries. The film touches upon the controversial topic of life in a brothel and the difficulties that the women are put through. Vidya is playing quite a bold role of a brothel madam who fights all odds for the survival of all the other women in her brothel.

Vidya, just like her character in ‘Begum Jaan’, has often spoken about women empowerment and feminism. Vidya has often spoken her mind and has also rubbed on the wrong side of many industrywallas. In a recent interview, the actress even went on to say that like Kangana Ranaut she too has rubbed people in the wrong way.

Talking about her journey, Vidya said, “Thankfully, I never landed into any trouble, [at least] publicly, but have been reminded of it in my interactions with them later. Missing out [on working with me] is absolutely their loss. These things don’t stop good roles from coming your way.”

The actress in the initial phase of her career felt like an outsider, however, it is now that she feels a sense of belonging in the industry. “I’ve had to work towards it, but I’ve earned my space here. As a newbie, I knew nobody. I don’t make friends easily. I am social, but my close friends are those I met in school and college. I have almost no industry friend,” continued Vidya.

Talking about the kind of films she looks forward to doing, Vidya said, “I will work in any film if the script is good, not because a superstar is associated with it. Banners and superstars [associated with the film] are peripheral benefits.” When further asked if she seconds Kangana’s thoughts on actresses being sidelined in films that star the Khans, Vidya said that such films are “designed to ride on them.”

Credits: Mid-Day