Vidya Balan recalls the shocking advice she got before starring opposite a younger actor

Time of India

a day ago

Pressured to Look Younger
Facing Criticism, Finding a Turning Point
Despite her talent and acclaim, Vidya Balan has faced constant scrutiny over her appearance throughout her career in Bollywood. One such instance came to light recently when she opened up about being asked to lose weight for her role in the 2008 film Kismat Konnection, where she starred opposite Shahid Kapoor. Her revelation sheds light on the long-standing pressures female actors face in the industry—where looking younger and thinner often takes precedence over talent.Speaking in an interview with Filmfare, Vidya Balan recalled being advised to lose weight before filming Kismat Konnection. She shared that someone had informed her Shahid Kapoor, who is two years younger than her, was cast opposite her—implying she would need to appear younger than him on screen. The advice wasn't subtle: she was told directly that shedding weight would help her look more suitable for the pairing.At the time, such requests were not uncommon. Balan noted that there was widespread chatter in the industry that actresses needed to look younger if they wanted to be cast opposite certain male stars. While such comments might be less acceptable today, they were an industry norm for years.The issue didn't end with a single film. Vidya explained that up until 2019, almost every movie project began with a conversation about weight loss. Directors and producers would ask her to attend meetings, only to suggest she slim down—even for roles that did not necessarily require it. She admitted that these conversations became mentally exhausting. Despite maintaining a demanding fitness routine, she often felt that her body was being pushed beyond healthy limits.At one point, she was working out rigorously and eating very little, yet saw no results. Looking back, she recognized that her body was under distress and that the extreme efforts were doing more harm than good.Between 2007 and 2009, Balan faced heavy criticism for her fashion choices and weight, especially during films like Heyy Babyy and Kismat Konnection. This period made her question her place in the industry. But everything changed with the release of Ishqiya in 2010. Playing a femme fatale for the first time, she rediscovered her love for acting. The film's success not only shifted perceptions but also gave her the confidence to take on more diverse and unconventional roles.She credited Ishqiya as a defining moment that helped her rise above the noise. The collaboration with director Abhishek Chaubey and co-stars Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi gave her the space to perform without the usual pressures tied to appearance.While the incident from Kismat Konnection occurred over a decade ago, Balan acknowledged that some things have changed. The rise of body positivity and increasing awareness of mental health have made it easier for actors to speak openly about unrealistic expectations. Social media has also played a role in allowing artists to connect directly with their audiences, pushing back against harmful industry norms.Today, Vidya Balan is seen as one of Bollywood's strongest voices for body acceptance. Her recent appearance in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, alongside Madhuri Dixit and Kartik Aaryan, was well received. Around the film's release, she drew attention once again for her physical transformation, but this time it was on her own terms, achieved through a health-focused anti-inflammatory diet.Meanwhile, Shahid Kapoor is currently working on his upcoming film Arjun Ustara, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, with Triptii Dimri as the female lead. The film is reportedly based on the life of gangster Hussain Ustara.