Vidya completes 'unbelievable' decade in films

Vidya Balan, who has completed a decade in Bollywood since making her debut with "Parineeti" in 2005, looks back at her journey as a "learning" experience and says her family and faith have helped her sail through the highs and lows.

Awaiting the release of her new film "Hamari Adhuri Kahani", co-starring Emraan Hashmi and Rajkumar Rao, Vidya said here: "It has been ten years, but 'Parineeta' still feels like yesterday. I have to keep pinching myself. It is still a bit unbelievable for me."

The actress, who won a Best Actress National Film Award for the 2011 film "The Dirty Picture", started her career with television, famously starring in "Hum Paanch" as Radhika.

After making her cinematic debut in 2005 with "Parineeta", an adaptation of a 1914 eponymous Bengali novel, Vidya proved her versatility film after film. Her strong presence and performance in films like "No One Killed Jessica" and "Kahaani" made her a popular name in the film world.

She said: "I had the opportunity to be part of some wonderful films, worked with people I aspired to work with, and more. I have learnt a lot and I have grown as a person. Success also gives you confidence and an opportunity to make your own choices."

Unfortunately, her last couple of releases like "Shaadi Ke Side Effects" and "Bobby Jasoos" failed to impress the audiences as much. But Vidya likes to take "win and defeat" in her stride.

"You do question yourself when you're going through a low... there is self-doubt. But I have two things which I hold dearly -- my family and faith. I hold on to that very dearly at all times -- good times and bad times. So, I think I am fortunate in that sense," added the 36-year-old.