Arshad is the most underutilised actor: Vidya Balan

Noida, Jan 28 (IANS) Actress Vidya Balan is all praise for her "Ishqiya" co-star Arshad Warsi but rues that he is the most underutilised actor in the industry.

"He is the most underutilised actor in the industry. He is a very talented actor who performs every role with so much conviction that he leaves a mark on audiences' minds," Balan told reporters at a press conference here at the Big Cinemas.

"Today, people remember him as Circuit of �Munnabhai M.B.B.S.' but I am sure after watching �Ishqiya' they will remember him as Babban. He is a wonderful actor to work with," she added.

Set in a small town in Uttar Pradesh, the crime-thriller is about the revenge of a widow, played by Vidya, and how she uses Arshad and Naseeruddin Shah's characters to execute her plan to find her "dead" husband.

"I have learnt a lot from Naseer sir and Arshad during the making of the movie. They are so secure actors that I was like imbibing a lot from them. It was give and take process throughout the movie," said Vidya.

Releasing Friday, the film has been directed by Abhishek Chaubhey and produced by Vishal Bharadwaj

Vidya also revealed that initially she was a bit nervous about working with Naseer.

"I won't say I was scared, but yes I was very nervous. Initially, I didn't used to talk to him. I guess he discovered that and broke the ice," she said.

Was it difficult for you to do the kissing scene in "Ishqiya"?

"It was the demand of the script. I did what was required for the movie. These scenes are very tricky to direct. They can look very obscene if not shot properly. But I knew that the people I was working with will do justice to the scene," she said.

"Once you understand the script and your character, all inhibitions just vanish. One can easily overcome any obstacle," she added. Click the Movie button below for more info:
Ishqiya