Vidya Balan is a versatile actor, who is now on top of many filmmakers' lists. The 30 year-old Indian is an up and coming Bollywood star and believes that having a strong and supportive family has played a huge part in her current success. Balan was in Dubai this week to promote her new film Kismat (Fate) Konnection, in which she plays Priya – a fun loving, happy character who brings luck to the people she meets. Emirates Business caught up with Balan to discuss her flourishing career, family ties and why she would one day like a holiday home in Dubai with George Clooney.
What have the past few years been like as an award-winning actress?
The past year has been a little more relaxed but the first two years were the most hectic of my life.
When Parineeta was released people started to notice me for the first time; when I went out of the house I was recognised. It then began to affect my social life and it was a little crazy. During those first years I worked on eight films either acting or dubbing and it was quite a hard job. It was 24-7.
Was it always your dream to be in the movies and how did you get your break in Bollywood?
As a youngster I watched lots of films and it was definitely my dream to become an actress. I couldn't imagine myself doing anything else.
I think I was lucky I had a lot of support living with my parents in Mumbai. What tends to happen in India is that actors come from all corners of the country and converge in Mumbai because that is the home of Bollywood. Quite often actors then have to sacrifice their day to day expenses such as food because they do not have family around them for help. But I was able to do things differently.
How have you and your family dealt with the rise to fame?
I think they are still very joyous and proud. When I see a twinkle in my father's eye when he has read a favourable report about me that's nice. But I think it took some time to adjust.
I still live with them and I have one sister who is four years older who is married and lives in Delhi. She and her husband are like a second set of parents to me and very protective. My sister gets upset if anything nasty is said about me. It is important to have them because whether it is praise or criticism from the outside world I can take it with a pinch of salt. The one thing they have taught me is that nothing like this is permanent and I still feel very much loved at home.
Your films have so far been successful at the box office. How do you choose which films are right?
I always feel very excited when I am about to choose a film. It's a gut feeling and I say that it is the guy up there that gives me this feeling. I always meet the directors and get a narrative first and then I read the script. After that I take time to deliberate before making the decision.
There is the temptation for newcomers to sign up to every film they are offered. But you don't do this. Why is that?
I am not in a race, I am just someone who likes to do things the best they can.
I do not want to eat more than I can chew. If I took on everything that was given to me I would not be able to do it to the best of my ability. I also want to enjoy the filming and the whole experience.
What is your character in your latest firm Kismat Konnection?
She is a girl who believes in the goodness of life and the truthfulness of life. She knows what is right and wrong but is also innocent and trustworthy.
This is a modern love story and is set in the hectic contemporary life. But 10 years down the line it's the kind of film that on a holiday you would like to watch.
It's about the small moments in life. Aziz Mirza's movies are about people and you can relate to the characters. I love romantic films and like Aziz's other films people will be able to see parts of themselves in the characters.
Would you ever consider investing in property in Dubai like Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan?
This is something I would like and probably will do in the future. But I need to focus on making some money first. It is just as expensive here as it is in Mumbai but one day maybe I will be able to buy a holiday home in Dubai with George Clooney. I actually came to the Emirates on a shopping trip last month and bought loads of clothes. I am usually someone who hates shopping but maybe Dubai has changed that.
PROFILE: Vidya Balan, Actress
Vidya Balan, 30, is a rising Indian film star who made her Bollywood debut in 2005 with the film Parineeta.
Born in Kerala and raised in Mumbai, Balan is the quintessential Indian girl next door. Her film career began with the Bengali movie Bhalo Theko in 2003 and since then she has been cast in seven Hindi blockbusters.
Following on from her Bollywood debut Balan has played lead characters in several films including Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006) with Sanjay Dutt. In 2006 she took on the part of a multiple sclerosis sufferer in Guru alongside Abhishek Bachchan and more recently she played a woman possessed in Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007).
Showing her versatility in romantic comedies, thrillers and dramas, Balan – who is still single – is now hot property in Bollywood and her future seems bright.