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Vidya is a storyteller
Vidya Balan's last film Kismat Konnection got her nothing more than a link-up with Shahid Kapur, so now, she's making sure that it doesn't happen again: her new project has her only lending her voice to an audio book. And it's a great way for her to make sure she's not criticised for her dress sense either.
Vidya Balan's last film Kismat Konnection got her nothing more than a link-up with Shahid Kapur, so now, she's making sure that it doesn't happen again: her new project has her only lending her voice to an audio book. And it's a great way for her to make sure she's not criticised for her dress sense either.
The actress has voiced the story for two of Gulzar's children's books titled 'The Lizard's Tail' and 'Little Vinayak'. We caught up with Vidya to find out more about the books, her recent weight loss, as well as her admirable resilience to the media's harsh criticism.
What made you lend your voice to these audio books?
I have attended Gulzar Sahab's shows, and once, when he was reciting a poem, I thought even I would love to do something similar. Later, when I joined the industry, I didn't think of it, but then, this opportunity came to me, and I thought 'Why not?' I have always wanted to do something related to kids, and this book is really nice.
What is your favourite children's book?
Honestly, I have never been a reader. I used to hate reading. But today, I like books because of audio options. As far as stories go, I loved 'The Jungle Book', which I watched in my childhood.
You have lost a lot of weight. Is it for a film role or because of the constant criticism you face from the media?
I have never listened to what the media or other people have said about me. I haven't lost weight for a film; I've done it for myself. I wanted to stay healthy. Everyone has a different body, and mine is different too. I was never affected by criticism, and I'm not affected now either. I am what I am, and I will never change no matter what other people think of me.
You have been criticised for your Western outfits. Is that why you've taken to wearing mostly Indian attire now?
(Laughs) I don't know why everyone analyses so much! I wear what I like! I have always loved wearing Western dresses as well as Indian clothes. I put on what I feel comfortable in. I have not changed my style just because the media humiliates and tortures me with their comments.
You say the media humiliates you, yet you are always so positive and polite in interviews. Why don't you retaliate?
If you're talking about losing self-esteem, that only happens when the criticism gets too much. For example, when I am continuously linked with a co-star who I am not dating. It gets awkward to even talk to that person. When I just joined the industry, I used to get depressed, but now, slowly, I've come to realise that it is just part of the job. Sometimes, I even read quotes of mine that I haven't said myself. So, I never look at what is being written about me.
What was it like working with Amitabh Bachchan on your upcoming release Paa?
It was a dream come true because, I guess, no matter who has joined the industry, they have wanted to work with him. And, like other actors, even I want to get his darshan at least once in my life. I am a big fan of Amitabh Sir, and getting a chance to work with him made me very glad.
What made you lend your voice to these audio books?
I have attended Gulzar Sahab's shows, and once, when he was reciting a poem, I thought even I would love to do something similar. Later, when I joined the industry, I didn't think of it, but then, this opportunity came to me, and I thought 'Why not?' I have always wanted to do something related to kids, and this book is really nice.
What is your favourite children's book?
Honestly, I have never been a reader. I used to hate reading. But today, I like books because of audio options. As far as stories go, I loved 'The Jungle Book', which I watched in my childhood.
You have lost a lot of weight. Is it for a film role or because of the constant criticism you face from the media?
I have never listened to what the media or other people have said about me. I haven't lost weight for a film; I've done it for myself. I wanted to stay healthy. Everyone has a different body, and mine is different too. I was never affected by criticism, and I'm not affected now either. I am what I am, and I will never change no matter what other people think of me.
You have been criticised for your Western outfits. Is that why you've taken to wearing mostly Indian attire now?
(Laughs) I don't know why everyone analyses so much! I wear what I like! I have always loved wearing Western dresses as well as Indian clothes. I put on what I feel comfortable in. I have not changed my style just because the media humiliates and tortures me with their comments.
You say the media humiliates you, yet you are always so positive and polite in interviews. Why don't you retaliate?
If you're talking about losing self-esteem, that only happens when the criticism gets too much. For example, when I am continuously linked with a co-star who I am not dating. It gets awkward to even talk to that person. When I just joined the industry, I used to get depressed, but now, slowly, I've come to realise that it is just part of the job. Sometimes, I even read quotes of mine that I haven't said myself. So, I never look at what is being written about me.
What was it like working with Amitabh Bachchan on your upcoming release Paa?
It was a dream come true because, I guess, no matter who has joined the industry, they have wanted to work with him. And, like other actors, even I want to get his darshan at least once in my life. I am a big fan of Amitabh Sir, and getting a chance to work with him made me very glad.
Link http://www.starboxoffice.com/newsDetails.aspx?xfile=2009/May/News_20090504_9
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