‘I am a huge fan of Madhuri’

Vidya Balan, who grabbed attention with Parineeta, chats with Vickey Lalwani about her forthcoming films and more Parineeta has changed your life?

DADA (Pradeep Sarkar) was very sure he wanted only me for the role. His confidence and faith in me really boosted my energy levels. It helps when someone stands and backs you. I had done nearly 80 ads by the time I came to an acting career, still one needs inspiration from the right quarters. He was sure no one else could play Lolita. I think people who debut at an early age have had to wait a few years to get that kind of a role. In that way, I am lucky. Touch wood.

No. Dada is a thorough professional. I had to undergo several auditions before I was finalised. That did my ego a lot of good.

It’s not a sequel per se. I play Sanjay Dutt’s love interest in Munnabhai Meets Mahatma. The characters Munna and Circuit are there in this movie also, but it is not a sequel to Munnabhai MBBS I repeat. One of the great things about the film is that everyone sees it as a fresh film, including Rajkumar Hirani. It may be titled Munnabhai Meets Mahatma or Munnabhai Lage Raho.

I loved Munnabhai MBBS. There was not a single unwanted moment in the film. Picture ho to aisi! (A film should be like that)

Then you have Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Eklavya?

Therein, I play Saif Ali Khan’s romantic interest.

To an extent, yes. The similarity between the characters I play in this movie and the one in Parineeta is that both are very Indian. Plus like in Parineeta, I don’t have the typical song and dance routine here.

Of course I am. So, I have signed Nikhil Advani’s Salam-e-Ishq where I am cast opposite John Abraham. It is an urban love story, which revolves around the love stories of six couples. John and I play one of them. But...

If people have liked me in Parineeta it’s because I’m projected as typically Indian. I won’t try to shrug off that image just to be like the other girls. I’m aware that I’m perceived as demure and dignified after Parineeta. And that’s an image I’m happy with. I’m not here to be a teenybopper heroine. I’m looking for roles of substance.

Sometimes I feel I’ve two sets of parents. My sister and brother-in-law are more particular about how I go about my life than even my parents. It feels good to lead a sheltered life. Out here in showbiz everyone needs a support system.

I loved Madhuri Dixit in Devdas. I’m a huge fan of hers. If I can conduct my career with half her dignity and grace I’d have achieved more than what I had thought. — TWF

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