Latest news with #VidyaBalan
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Vidya Balan says Rekha is ‘desire incarnate': ‘I think she was made for the celluloid'
Actor Vidya Balan, known for her commanding screen presence and fearless authenticity, recently opened up about watching Umrao Jaan with veteran actor Rekha, describing it as a 'surreal experience'. Vidya also praised Rekha's performance in the film, saying 'she was made for the celluloid.' In an interview with THR India, the actor said, 'I just wanted to rewatch certain films that I saw as an actor, just to see how they have aged and what my perception would be now. Last night I watched Umrao Jaan with Rekha holding my hand, and at some points in the film, I would just stare back at her with shock and think, 'Really?' It was just a surreal experience, because on the other side I had Shabana Azmi, whose mother, Shaukat Kaifi, is also in the film.' ALSO READ | 'Rekha is very sensitive, afraid of getting hurt,' recalls Kabir Bedi, says they didn't socialise much during Khoon Bhari Maang: 'She protects herself' Vidya Balan didn't hold back in expressing her admiration for Rekha and her performance in Umrao Jaan, saying, 'There are so many talented people in that film, like Naseeruddin Shah, Farooq Shaikh, and Dina Pathak, but you just can't take your eyes off of Rekha ji. I think she was made for the celluloid; if there is one person who was, it's her. There is no word to describe her, because she is just so above anything you could say. I think she is desire incarnate; that's what she exudes in every frame.' Vidya added that the reason for going back to old films was because she was tired of watching series, which had too much violence, and she just wanted to see something which made her believe that there is still good in the world. Vidya Balan was last seen in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 alongside Kartik Aaryan, Madhuri Dixit, and Tripti Dimrii. She will be next seen in Riteish Deshmukh's untitled film on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Vidya Balan says she's ‘shamelessly optimistic' when people ask her to shed weight: 'There is nothing wrong with me'
Vidya Balan opened up about her deliberate decision not to rush into her next film after completing one. The actress has remained in the limelight through her humorous reels on social media and revealed that she has embraced a stress-free zone in both her personal and professional life. Vidya Balan on Being Told to Lose Weight In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, Vidya shared that the absence of constant visibility doesn't evoke fear or insecurity in her. Instead, she's revelling in the rare calm, enjoying her time at home and indulging in fun reels on social media. Vidya Balan recalls how people 'took jibes' at her 'dressing sense' and it 'scared' her: 'She's overweight... she's so badly dressed' 'I think I am shamelessly optimistic. I have so much self-belief. I have put myself out there at my biggest and not batted an eyelid. I've had people tell me I should work on myself, that I should shed weight. But I actually believe there is nothing wrong with me. And I think that is a great attitude because it helped me sail through. I was still playing the lead, so I don't think those kinds of insecurities have ever weighed me down,' she stated. Vidya Is Leading a Stress-Free Life 'The Dirty Picture' actress admitted that she is not feeling any stress and is thoroughly enjoying this phase of her life. She has been listening to scripts and has finalised two films, though she remained tight-lipped about the projects. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo Vidya Balan's Work Front On the professional front, Vidya was last seen in 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3', alongside Kartik Aaryan and Madhuri Dixit . The film turned out to be a box-office success, grossing Rs 400 crore. She is next set to appear in 'Raja Shivaji', a historical epic directed by Riteish Deshmukh. Centred around the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the film will also feature Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, and Genelia D'Souza. It is slated for release on May 1, 2026.
News18
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Vidya Balan On Taking Break from Acting: ‘I'm Shamelessly Optimistic'
Vidya Balan is on a break, reading scripts, planning two films. Her last film, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, was a hit. She will next appear in Raja Shivaji, releasing May 1. Vidya Balan is currently on a break from acting and she's completely at ease with it. In a recent chat with The Hollywood Reporter India, the actor spoke about taking time off and how she doesn't feel insecure about not being in the spotlight. 'For the first time in my life, I am not experiencing stress," Vidya said. 'Knowingly or unknowingly, we go through a lot of stress. I am enjoying this period. I am reading scripts, meeting people, and I have decided on two films. Unfortunately, I am not able to talk about it right now." Even though she's away from the screen, she's confident that she's on the right path. 'I think I am shamelessly optimistic. I have so much self-belief. I have put myself out there at my biggest and not batted an eyelid," she said. 'I've had people tell me I should work on myself, that I should shed weight. But I actually believe there is nothing wrong with me." She added that she never let such comments affect her. 'I was still playing the lead, so I don't think those kinds of insecurities have ever weighed me down." Vidya was last seen in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 (2024) alongside Kartik Aaryan and Madhuri Dixit. The film was a massive hit, earning over Rs 400 crore at the box office. Before that, she starred in Do Aur Do Pyaar with Pratik Gandhi, Ileana D'Cruz, and Sendhil Ramamurthy, which also received positive reviews. Up next, Vidya will be seen in Raja Shivaji, a historical drama directed by Riteish Deshmukh. The film, based on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, also stars Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, and Genelia D'Souza and will release on May 1 next year. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Vidya confirmed, 'Yes, I just finished shooting for it. It's a film on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and I was amazed throughout the process." Reflecting on her experience with Riteish Deshmukh as a director, she added, 'I had previously worked with Riteish as a co-actor in Heyy Babyy (2007), and we've all seen how brilliant his comic timing is. But as a director, he completely surprised me." First Published: July 22, 2025, 20:55 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Vidya Balan says she's ‘shamelessly optimistic' amid acting break: 'Insecurity of not being seen does not weigh me down'
Vidya Balan is in no rush to return to the screen, and she's completely at peace with it. In an interview with THR India, the actor opened up about taking a step back from work and whether the thought of not being seen ever causes insecurity or panic. She also talked about exercising the luxury of choice lately, where she enjoyed being at home and having fun while making reels. Vidya Balan expressed contentment in taking a break from acting, feeling no insecurity in a new interview. (AFP) I have so much self-belief, says Vidya Balan 'I think I am shamelessly optimistic. I have so much self-belief. I have put myself out there at my biggest and not batted an eyelid. I've had people tell me I should work on myself, that I should shed weight. But I actually believe there is nothing wrong with me. And I think that is a great attitude because it helped me sail through. I was still playing the lead, so I don't think those kinds of insecurities have ever weighed me down," Vidya said. Her unshakable self-assurance has carried her through years in an industry often obsessed with appearance. And now, for the first time in years, Vidya said she is embracing a stress-free phase. "For the first time in my life, I am not experiencing stress. Knowingly or unknowingly, we go through a lot of stress. I am enjoying this period. I am reading scripts, meeting people, and I have decided on two films. Unfortunately, I am not able to talk about it right now," Vidya said. Vidya Balan's latest projects Vidya Balan was last seen in the 2024 blockbuster Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, where she starred alongside Kartik Aaryan and Madhuri Dixit. The film marked her much-anticipated return to the popular franchise and went on to earn over ₹400 crore at the box office. Prior to that, she received widespread critical acclaim for her role in the romantic comedy Do Aur Do Pyaar, co-starring Pratik Gandhi, Ileana D'Cruz, and Sendhil Ramamurthy. Vidya will next appear in Ritiesh Deshmukh's Raja Shivaji, a historical drama about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's life. The film also stars Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan, and Genelia D'Souza and is set to hit the theatres on 1 May next year.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Vidya Balan recalls doing an intimate scene with an actor who had Chinese and didn't brush: 'Do you not have a partner?'
Vidya Balan has just completed 20 years in the industry. The actress made her debut with 'Parineeta' which starred her opposite Saif Ali Khan and Sanjay Dutt. In a recent interview, the actress was asked if she's got any practical advice as an actor or things that she takes care of before every scene or a making an appearance. The actress responded and said that as women, generally one takes care of their teeth, nose, basic hygiene and how they're smelling. But that reminded her of an old incident. She said during this chat with The Hollywood Reporter India, "I've had an actor who had chinese, he didn't brush and I had an intimate scene with him." She further laughed, "I said in my head, 'do you not have a partner?' I didn't offer mints, I was too new, too scared." In the same interview, Vidya spoke about not being insecure as an actor and being quite optimistic always. She said, "I think I am shamelessly optimistic. I have so much self-belief. I have put myself out there at my biggest and not batted an eyelid. I've had people tell me I should work on myself, that I should shed weight. But I actually believe there is nothing wrong with me. And I think that is a great attitude because it helped me sail through. I was still playing the lead, so I don't think those kinds of insecurities have ever weighed me down." The actress further spoke about her current state of mind and said, "For the first time in my life, I am not experiencing stress. Knowingly or unknowingly, we go through a lot of stress. I am enjoying this period. I am reading scripts, meeting people, and I have decided on two films. Unfortunately, I am not able to talk about it right now."
