Catching up with Vidya Balan

Aug 22 (NR) Vidya Balan needs no introduction. From her debut Hindi film, Parineeta to Paa, where she plays a sophisticated doctor and a mother to 13-year-old Auro, the pretty actor has come a long way. Both the roles fetched her, the Filmfare award, the former for Best Female Debut and the latter for Best Actress. Naturally the first question you pose to her, was acting what she always wanted to do?

'I was born to act,' smiles Vidya. 'Thank God it worked out. I can't think of any other career I wanted to be in. When I say God has been kind, I truly mean it.'

On her forthcoming film, 'No one killed Jessica,' she can't divulge much.

'It is a thriller, based on the case.'

Any research she did for the role?

'No, I did not have to do any research for the role. The case has been in the public consciousness for a very long time and justice has been meted out after an arduous struggle. Basically I am an actor and I fall back on the script. At the end of the day, we are not playing historical or heroic figures. We are playing regular people who have gone through certain challenges and experiences which probably make them extraordinary.'

'Since this is a feature film, there is a lot of dramatization and fictionalization,' she continues.

'We are hoping that from the word go; people will be on the edge of their seats waiting for what is going to happen next.'

The film is scheduled for a December release. How was it working with Rani Mukherjee?

'Fantastic. She is my favorite among my immediate seniors. I have always admired her. There were a couple of projects we were supposed to do together, but they did not materialize. I am happy this finally did. It's been wonderful.

So what's next?

'Now it's time for a mad comedy,' says Vidya.

How does she play diverse characters, you wonder, referring to her roles in Paa and Ishqiya?

'As actors we learn to tap at the necessary resources at the right time. With experience you get better at doing that. I think it is all there in us, the crudeness and the sophistication. There is love, lust, anger, hope, faith, deceit and betrayal.'

Working with Mr. Bachchan?

'What word can I use that has not been used before. He is very humble. After 40 years of experience, he doesn't take anything for granted. The passion with which he does every take is overwhelming. No wonder there is, there was and there will be only one Amitabh Bachchan.'

So what keeps her going?

'Schizophrenia,' laughs Vidya. 'The need to be someone else on screen and yet to retain oneself.'

Then on a serious note, 'Jokes apart, it's just that I enjoy my work. I have begun to value and enjoy my life. God has been kind and I am making the most of it.'

And no she does not have any dream role.

'I am hoping that every role I do becomes a dream role for everyone else.'

Now that's quite a dream!

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No One Killed Jessica