Vidya Balan enjoying time off

Why is there so much noise around your clothes? And why aren't you reacting?

Look you know me. I don't know what to say as in not that I can't but I just don't let such things bother me. I have a great group of people that help me maintain my sanity and therefore whether it is acclaim or criticism … I don't allow any of it to get to me. I read this line about Buddha where he would be continuously told off by a single woman when he would go to collect alms. On being questioned as to why he put up with it, he said I look at it that I am allowing her to vent what is angering her. So just because she is saying it on my face doesn't mean I have to accept it!

You are too polite or just being diplomatic?

I would be lying if I said it never upsets me. Sure there are times when I do cry on reading stuff but more than me when it begins to affect my close ones is when I begin to get annoyed. Other than that I refuse to give anything that anyone says too much importance. Let's talk about something else then…

Each of your roles have been very different. Do you think that might work against you because you haven't been able to build a particular image?

No not really. In fact I think it's to my advantage. I think I have been very lucky and fortunate in getting the opportunities I have. And I have made sure that I have used each of them. You know every actor would like to be in that position… wherein you don't get labelled for being able to do only one type of roles. So no it's not a disadvantage if you ask me. It takes a lot of effort to pull them off as well…a lot of hard work and preparation.

What kind of preparation?

Well… for someone like me I meet with the director and script writers often to make sure I get my role correct even before filming begins. In the case of Bhool Bhulaiyaa I had to make sure that the last 20 minutes which were the climax went off seamlessly. But considering the classical dance sequence I had to do it wasn't easy because I had to make it look perfect and I am not a trained classical dancer. Similarly for Guru… I was playing a character that was in the wheelchair throughout. I had to work hard at becoming comfortable in using it although what you may have seen on screen may not show so much… but then you sometimes get shortchanged with your character and you can't help that.

What do you mean… you think you got shortchanged in Guru?

I think there was a lot more that we shot but it didn't make the final cut.

After having worked with big established directors like Mani Ratnam and Priyadarshan, do you think you can work with new or smaller filmmakers?

I don't see a problem as long as I see vision and conviction in them. That's the only problem. You know with experienced directors you don't have to establish that comfort zone or worry as much about how the film will turn out as opposed to with someone new which requires a lot of effort. So I think that's the only concern… but if you see the conviction in them then it should be alright.

So coming back to time off… You are nowhere to be seen. Where are you hiding?

I am just enjoying some time off. After filming continuously I just felt the need to have some time off. So now I'm spending days with my parents, close friends and other loved ones. I enjoy going to movies and concerts. So I'm basically taking a well deserved break as I have just finished filming for Kismet Connection.

You go to theatres and watch films?

Yes of course…

Don't you get recognized?

I think people in Bombay are quite used to seeing stars so they are really nice about it. Sometimes kids come up for autographs and pictures but I don't mind that at all.

You are said to be a very family oriented girl… given the choice you are always at home. Is that true?

(Laughs) yes… how do you know? I ensure that I spend Sundays at home because that's the only time I get with my family and especially my dad who works through the week. I also don't answer my mobile on Sundays. Another thing that I am particular about is eating together… I seriously believe that a family that eats together stay together. And other than that I also listen to a lot of music… love songs actually!

So what's your favourite song?

My all time favourite song is Mitwa from Kabhie Alvida Na Kehna… I think it is for people who are in love, falling in love or even going through a break up! I am a real sucker for love songs!

Link http://www.indya.com/news/newsDetails.aspx?xfile=2008/March/ News_20080312_139