Showing posts with label Vidya Balan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vidya Balan. Show all posts
Cinema's Own Superwoman | Vidya Balan - Exclusive Interview
There is no stopping Vidya Balan! With a perfect success rate in the industry packed, topped with some of the most impactful performances in the last decade, winning hearts, earning accolades, sweeping awards (even scoring a hat trick), becoming a CBFC board member and more; the actress is clearly one of Bollywood’s finest, most talented gems. Close to twelve years after her debut as the charming Lalita in Parineeta, Balan continues to dominate as one of B-town’s leading ladies, as film makers continue to line up with author backed roles for the vivacious actress. This time, Balan is all set to charm the audience as Sulochana in a fun, slice of life film titled - Tumhari Sulu, where she will be seen multitasking as a home maker and a late night show RJ. As the film gets ready to hit the screens tomorrow, the vivacious actress spoke about her character and discusses cinema, life and more in an exclusive chat with Diary of a Dancebee.
What was that one trait or element of your character - Sulu, that stood out for you?
The very fact that she is a complete enthu-cutlet. That’s the perfect way to describe her! She is full of life, fun and is always ready for challenges that come her way.
Just like Sulu, do you think women today are more open to experimenting with their professional choices, as compared to the time when you started off or were still in college?
Absolutely! They are definitely open to experimenting with their career choices and even multitasking a lot more. But, while women today have more opportunities, there is also a lot more pressure and responsibility. That doesn’t mean women back then didn’t have any of it. However, the hectic lifestyle today has changed a lot of things around us. Everything around is so quick and fast paced. Today, most women spend hours traveling from home to work and back. They also have personal commitments and responsibilities to look after. So, while the scope is much better, the pressure has also increased.
The hectic lifestyle today has changed a lot of things around us
Personally, how do you maintain a fine balance between both personal and professional life?
Honestly, I don’t think I am good at maintaining a fine balance (smiles). I don’t multitask much, when compared to women who travel for hours, work for long and also run their homes successfully. That’s one reason why I think the term ‘housewife’ should be replaced by ‘home maker’. She is the one who truly brings the home together. It’s not an easy task! I remember that while traveling by local trains during my time as a student at St.Xavier’s College, I used to see women cutting vegetables on their way back. They would carry small zip pouches with some pieces of vegetables, cut them and place everything back in separate pouches again. Being in a position where I don’t have to cook, buy groceries or perform some of the tasks that home makers have to do every day, since my house help takes care of it, makes me feel that I am not really multitasking in anyway. At least, not when compared to the women who spend hours maintaining a balance between their personal and professional commitments, with all the pressure around. Hats off to them!
Professionally, was there any point in your life where you wanted to take up something else, other than acting?
I don’t think I could ever do anything apart from acting. I never thought of any alternate career. As cliched as it may sound, but I have always wanted to become an actor (smiles).
I don’t think I could ever do anything apart from acting
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| Image Source: Filmfare Dec - 2016 |
What is your earliest memory of cinema and watching movies while growing up?
You know, I wasn't really into watching a lot of movies when I was a kid. We didn’t make frequent trips to the cinema hall as such. The only time we used to watch something would be on Doordarshan, when they played Hindi films around Sunday evening. My mom introduced me to regional films, which were also played on Doordarshan during the weekend. My first exposure to world cinema was in college. I remember, MAMI - Mumbai Film Festival had just started off and they were looking for volunteers. I excitedly signed up for it, and was assigned the task of announcing the film name with details before every screening. That was my first tryst with world cinema. I was mesmerised by the enchanting world of movies, and felt lucky to witness some exceptionally crafted films from Iran, Europe, Japan, France among others. From then, there was no looking back and I fell in love with cinema forever.
What has been the most special takeaway for you from any of the characters that you have essayed so far?
It’s interesting how every character that I have essayed on screen has been so different from the other, and each of them have had traits that are so unique. Again, it would be difficult for me to make a single choice, because all of them have left an impact that will stay with me for long. From among the recent ones, let’s take Sulu as an example. She is a complete go-getter. Her response to everything would be “Main Karegi.” That kind of confidence is very hard to find. It is very inspiring and encouraging. Definitely a special takeaway for me!
All the characters I have essayed on screen have left an impact that will stay with me for long
What according to you was a career defining moment or perhaps, a turning point in your life as an artist?
It would be very difficult to choose just one. There have been so many important moments, that have not only got me awards, acclaim and recognition, but also helped me become what I am today. Right from bagging a film like Parineeta as a debutant to essaying a challenging character like Monjolika in Bhool Bhulaiyaa and working in a film like The Dirty Picture; all of them contributed in some way or the other. I feel among my early films, Bhool Bhulaiyaa was extremely important. Another film was Ishqiya. I ventured into a completely new space and it gave me immense creative satisfaction as an artist. So, there has always been a lot to learn and be thankful for.
What’s next on the cards for you?
As of now, there is nothing. I am in talks and have also heard a few ideas. Hopefully, something new for 2018 shall come up soon.
What do you have to say to your fans, especially the 'VB' family on social media?
They are the sweetest, aren't they? Thank you for all the love. You guys are way too sweet.
Are you excited to watch Tumhari Sulu? Let us know by leaving a comment below or join the conversation on
Love,
The Dancebee
Kahaani 2 | Film Review
Film maker Sujoy Ghosh and actress Vidya Balan’s much anticipated director-actor venture together - Kahaani 2, has everything that a gripping drama needs. This edge of the seat, engrossing tale successfully keeps you hooked on throughout the running time of 119 minutes. The national award winning actress is seen essaying two characters, that of Durga Rani Singh and Vidya Sinha, in a film that shoots your curiosity levels to a different high.
As stated by Vidya in our interview, Kahaani 2 is completely different, and has nothing to do with the 2012 film - Kahaani. As a fresh story, Kahaani 2 manages to hold your attention, right from the opening scene to the unpredictable climax. Five minutes into the film, and the fast paced sequence of events in Vidya Sinha and her daughter’s life makes you restless and curious. In the film, Vidya Sinha is a paranoid mother whose daughter goes missing and the police are chasing Durga Rani Singh who is wanted under kidnapping and murder charges. Inder (Arjun Rampal) is a cop in charge on the case and also a significant part of Vidya’s past, which is revealed to the audience in the most surprising manner. The film deals with a sensitive issue and Sujoy Ghosh’s story telling has successfully managed to convey the message in its rightest form, keeping the intensity of the issue intact. The first half leaves you with no time to breathe (and nope, no loo break either). Be prepared for unexpected shocks, as the story unfolds.
Some dialogues stand out and stay with you throughout the film. The screenplay is perfect and enough to give you goosebumps, while excellent background score can make you skip a heartbeat. Dark and dim lighting in the film keeps the unsettling mood intact. Rampal’s as Inder is engaging and manages to stand out in the film with a great performance. Balan, on the other hand, portrays a gamut of emotions on screen. From being a protective mother to a courageous and brave woman, who is fighting against all odds; she does it all and that too, quite effortlessly. The highlight of this film is how once again, Vidya emerges as 'Durga' to end the evil.
With all it's shocks, twists, turns and commendable performances; Kahaani 2 is definitely a must watch. Durga Rani Singh's Kahaani is intriguing, as it unfolds in Sujoy Ghosh style. We recommend that you reach early and settle down in the cinema hall immediately, as you definitely don't wanna miss a scene of this crisp, gripping and fabulously crafted film.
Verdict: We highly recommend that you go out and watch this 'Kahaani' unfold. Also, be prepared to be at the edge of your seat throughout the film!
I believe every film has it's own fate - Vidya Balan | Exclusive Interview
She came, she saw and she conquered! Vidya Balan has been one of the few successful leading female actors, who has made it this far without any godfather in the industry. Despite multiple awards in her kitty and memorable characters that any female actor would give her tooth and nail for, the actress is always on the look out for more challenging roles. Be it Silk, Krishna, Parineeta or Vidya Bagchi; the actress stands out for her flawless portrayal of daring characters and is undoubtedly one of the finest performers that Bollywood could ever have. With her latest and certainly the most intriguing sequel - Kahaani 2 coming up, Vidya is leaving no stone unturned to build some buzz around the film and encourage the audience to watch it. In between multiple city tours and hectic activities, we caught up with Vidya (looking stylish as ever) on a quiet Monday afternoon at the Pen India office in suburban Mumbai. In a freewheling chat, the actress discusses Kahaani 2, her rapport with Sujoy Ghosh and why she has always been drawn towards strong, demanding characters.
Both Vidya Sinha and Durga Rani Singh (Kahaani 2) are a breakaway from Kahaani's Vidya Bagchi. What was your experience of playing these two roles?
Durga Rani Singh is an extremely powerful character, while Vidya Sinha has a few shades of the character most people call, Bidya Bagchi (smiles) from Kahaani. But, they are not similar at all. Kahaani 2 is not a direct sequel to the first film and the story is completely different. The two avatars in Kahaani 2 have nothing to do with Bagchi. Also, that's one reason why Sujoy has picked a completely different cast for this film. Dono kahaaniyon mein zameen aasmaan ka farak hain.
How would you define the two characters that you play in this film?
In Durga Rani Singh's case, what you see is not what you get. She is extremely complicated and prefers living in her own world. She doesn't like interacting with people. But, an incident changes her life forever. She is accused of kidnapping someone, par yeh kahan tak sach hain kisiko nahin pata. You will have to watch the film to unravel the mystery that is both Durga and Vidya.
How different is Vidya Balan from your characters - Vidya Bagchi and Durga Rani Singh?
I think I would never be able to keep a secret for so long, like Vidya Bagchi (laughs). Mere pet mein kuch rahega hi nahin. In that sense, I am very different from Bagchi. As far as Durga is concerned, I can't keep to myself. I need people around me, which is completely opposite to Durga's personality. She really wants to invisible and almost non-existential for the world. I am not like that that at all. I love being around, interacting with and hanging out with people. After all, I am an actor. So, I definitely think we are poles apart.
She (Durga Rani Singh) is extremely complicated and prefers living in her own world
You are also seen sporting a de-glam avatar in the film.
Honestly, I never see a character or her avatar as glamorous or de-glam. I just do whatever is right for the character. I am who I am, but if I can transform into a different person through make-up, hairstyle or outfits, then it's very exciting for me. I am all charged up to don any look. Looking glamorous all the time is not even a consideration in my head.
Was it always planned to have a sequel without any connect to the first film?
After Kahaani, Sujoy discussed several ideas that he thought could suit Kahaani 2. But, none of the ideas really worked for us. More so, we didn't think it could make the cut as a sequel to Kahaani. That's when we thought it's difficult to take Vidya Bagchi's story forward and decided let it go. Durga Rani Singh was originally planned to be a completely different film. It was only last year that Sujoy came up to me with an idea and said that it had the potential to be Kahaani 2. Even then I wasn't very keen. However, I read the idea and realised that it was perfect. Ab yeh kyun perfect hain, for that you will have to watch the film (smiles). All I can say is that this film carries the essence of Kahaani. So, if there ever was a film that could be Kahaani 2 without being a sequel, it was this story.
If I can transform into a different person through make-up, hairstyle or outfits, then it's very exciting for me
Every powerful character brings with it a set of challenges. In Kahaani 2, you are essaying two such characters. What were the challenges like for you?
Honestly, I love challenges. The very fact that my character is so unseemingly complicated, that's what made it tough and exciting. Woh jaisi dikhti hain vaisi hain nahin, and to maintain that throughout the film was tricky. There is also a slight obsessive streak in her. In my career so far, I have never portrayed a character with this kind of a streak. So, if I see something new and interesting, I just love it and grab the opportunity without any hesitation. Apart from that, I didn't really face any difficulty as such.
Would that also be since both you and Sujoy share a great rapport and understand each other?
Absolutely! Sujoy's scripts are perfect and has everything. As an actor, Adha aapka kaam vahin ho jaata hain, aur adha performance mein. It helps that we understand each other very well. A lot of things work out without any discussions. We don't do any kind of preparation before the shoot. Adha samay toh hum bakwaas kar rahe hote hain (laughs).
I love challenges. The very fact that my character in Kahaani 2 is so unseemingly complicated, that's what made it tough and exciting
Promotions are an essential part of a film's pre-release stage. You have always promoted your films in a unique way, but how involved are you in deciding these activities or events?
In my eleven year career so far, I have always been actively involved in promotional activities. I am always ready to promote the film full on, even if that means standing on top on a high rise building and screaming - "Kahaani 2 is releasing on December 2." I recently promoted the film on Bigg Boss and enjoyed every bit of it. In fact, this is the third time I have promoted my film on the show. However, some events or shows don't work out for me. Like someone asked me if I would go on Comedy Nights Bachao. I don't think I will be able to stomach some of those jokes. You should be able to go there, only if you know you won't feel offended. Honestly, I don't think I am that cool to not feel offended at some point or the other. They may pick a sore point and perhaps, that may hurt you. It's humane. But otherwise, I always go all out to promote my films, even if that involves changing my look.
Demonetisation has been an important issue, especially with recent films getting affected. What are your thoughts on this and how do you look at box office numbers?
I am not a fatalist, but I believe every film has it's own fate. We have made the film and now, it's up to the audience to watch and accept the film. Of course it is heart breaking to see your film not doing well, so box office numbers are very important. We all want the audience to go out and watch the film. For me, that's what BO success really is. All of us put in a lot of effort and if people don't watch it, you do feel bad. For a lot of other people, it's the numbers and clubs. But, I don't understand the business of cinema in that sense. Just the fact that lakhs of people have seen your film or the shows are running full, woh sunke jo sukoon milta hain is very special. As far as demonetisation is concerned, that's not something I am worried about. It was mostly films that were released in the first 1-2 weeks that were affected, but now things are better. Last week's release - Dear Zindagi has performed quite well. So, the situation is definitely looking good.
Most characters that you have played on screen are extremely powerful, be it Silk, Vidya or a Krishna. How has your experience of essaying such strong characters been so far?
You know, they say that when you really want something, the universe conspires to get it for you. For me, it's been a two way street. Strong, women oriented films veer towards me and I am drawn towards them. I am trying to find my feet, realise my work and value with every passing day. Perhaps, that's why I get drawn to stories where the women are doing something similar.
The Kahaani franchise cannot be imagined without you. But, if you were to choose someone else to portray these characters, who would it be?
Err.. then there would be no Kahaani, because I would shoot Sujoy Ghosh (laughs).
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Love,
The Dancebee
You know, they say that when you really want something, the universe conspires to get it for you. For me, it's been a two way street. Strong, women oriented films veer towards me and I am drawn towards them. I am trying to find my feet, realise my work and value with every passing day. Perhaps, that's why I get drawn to stories where the women are doing something similar.
The Kahaani franchise cannot be imagined without you. But, if you were to choose someone else to portray these characters, who would it be?
Err.. then there would be no Kahaani, because I would shoot Sujoy Ghosh (laughs).
Follow us on Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat | Instagram for exclusive updates
Love,
The Dancebee
