Vidya prefers women-centric films

I know that people are facing difficulties because of the move (demonetisation) but I hope the situation stabilises soon

Vidya Balan was in Hyderabad to promote her upcoming film ‘Kahaani 2’, which is slated to release on December 2. She said that the city holds a special place in her heart and that she is visiting it after a long gap. “I was here last for my film ‘Bobby Jasoos’ and for its promotions. I shot the entire film in the Old City and I have such fond memories associated with so many places,” Vidya flashbacked fondly.

Vidya insists that ‘Kahaani 2’, helmed by Sujoy Ghosh, is not a sequel to ‘Kahaani’, but a franchise film. “This is a new film and it is very different from ‘Kahaani’, the characters are different, the setting is different but one thing is common in both the films – the thriller element (laughs).”

When asked whether demonetisation will affect the film’s collections, she observed, “I personally do not have any comments about the move. However, my husband Siddarth and many people said that it is a good move. There are two more weeks left for the film to open and I hope the situation improves by then. Also, we cannot postpone the film as there are other releases that are lined up. I know that people are facing difficulties because of the move (demonetisation) but I hope the situation stabilises soon.”

About her character Durga Rani Singh in the film, she shared, “She is very mysterious. When you meet someone for the first time you get an instant connection; however, with her, it is not the case. It was very interesting to play Durga Rani Singh as it was an unchartered territory for me.”

Vidya has featured in a bevy of women-centric films of late. Ask her why and she said, “I am chief of my life and I am a woman and hence I am inclined towards woman-oriented films. Also, if I am getting parts that are absolutely pivotal to the plot, why not feature in them?”

During the filming of ‘Kahaani 2’, Vidya broke down on sets, requiring Sujoy Ghosh to console her for two hours. About the incident, she recalled, “There was a scene where the little girl falls off and I broke down. I knew we were on a film set, it is a protected environment and she will not get hurt, but still watching a six-year-old girl falling off was terrifying. Furthermore, I was a bit emotional that day as I was away from home for over two months.”

About how she goes about picking her work, she said, “While choosing a script I’ll never think whether it’ll be accepted by the people because the result is not in your hands. I ask myself do I want to play this role; do I want to live this person’s life; do I want to tell this story. These are all my considerations.”

Vidya started her acting career with the cult TV show ‘Hum Paanch’, and recently there was a reunion of the cast at a promotional event in Mumbai. Speaking about it, she said, “It was great. I met them after a long time. But the moment I met them it was like we were on the sets of ‘Hum Paanch’ and trust me I am not exaggerating. I started my career there and I have learnt so many things from the show. All the girls had one makeup room and we were like a family. Although we were not in touch much, we got along very well.”

Any dream role? “I would like to do roles like the ‘Before’ series. I just love those films,” she signed off.

Navin Pivhal