Movie News
Many dream of entering the film industry driven by a passion for acting and admiration for actors. For some, the journey is smooth, while for others, it's filled with hardships and rejection. Bollywood star Vidya Balan belongs to the latter group who faced several setbacks before making it big. In a recent interview on a YouTube channel, she opened up about the bitter experiences she encountered in the early stages of her career.
Vidya initially got selected to star opposite Malayalam superstar Mohanlal in a film titled Chakram. She considered it a dream opportunity that would mark her big break. The film began shooting, but just 15 days later, she was sent back to Mumbai. Due to creative differences between the director and Mohanlal, the film was shelved permanently. Unfortunately, rumors started circulating that Vidya was the reason the project was dropped.
Even though she had received 8–9 offers after being cast in Chakram, all of them were cancelled after the project was shelved. Vidya recalled how the industry labeled her as an “Iron Leg”—someone who brings bad luck. “It wasn’t my fault the film was shelved, but people believed I was jinxed and took away my opportunities. My parents were deeply disappointed, and I cried myself to sleep many nights. Still, I never gave up hope,” she shared.
Vidya Balan made her film debut with the 2003 Bengali film Bhalo Theko. However, it was the 2005 Hindi film Parineeta that gave her real recognition. She went on to deliver memorable performances in hit films like Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Guru, Paa, The Dirty Picture, and Kahaani, establishing herself as one of Bollywood’s most respected actresses.
Her portrayal of Silk Smitha in The Dirty Picture earned her a National Award. Most recently, she starred in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, which was a massive success, grossing Rs 389.28 crore worldwide.
Once branded as an “Iron Leg,” Vidya Balan is now a powerful and celebrated female lead in Indian cinema, a symbol of perseverance and passion.
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