Vidya Balan waiting for her ideal man
From Noreen Aslam

BOMBAY—Today’s most popular actress Vidya Balan who hasn’t traveled a long way in Bollywood but has already shot to fame in the briefest span from ‘Parineeta’ to ‘Lage Raho Munna Bhai’ has already played different characters from that of a simple woman to the modern radio jockey . In spite of her rising career graph, she has had no quarrel with her colleagues and has attracted positive responses from them. Vidya denies that her seniors have any ill will against her, be it Rani Mukherjee or Aishwarya Rai.
As usual in Bollywood, she refutes that she has special consideration from her male colleagues, including Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt or John Abraham. However, she minces no words to confess that her role model in life is the industry’s topmost lyricist Gulzar. He is the prototype of her ideal man. In the same breath, she admits that there is no man in her life yet though she has time for it. She has a line up of movies like ‘Guru’ and ‘Salam-e-Ishq’ besides ‘Rahgeer’, ‘Chandramukhi’ and ‘Hey Baby’. She is proud to point out that her forthcoming movies belong to the industry’s top banners and with shining stars.
Excerpts of her recent interview:
How do you feel about your travel from ‘Parineeta’ to ‘Lage Raho Munna Bhai’?
I began playing a simple woman in ‘Parineeta’ but got an opportunity to act as a modern radio jockey in ‘Lage Raho Munna Bhai’. This is indeed my good luck to have played a wide range of characters in such a short span.
How did you experience working with Saif Ali Khan and Sanjay Dutt?
I have been fortunate to work with them, and I found them very talented artists. Sanjay Dutt is a versatile actor, and I have learnt a lot from him.
What about your career before ‘Parineeta’?
Before entering Bollywood I had been associated with it. I had acted in several ad movies. Besides, I did albums with Pankaj Udhas, Shubha Mudgal and Euphoria group.
Is the report of your affair with actor Akshay Kumar true?
No, it’s not true. This is absolutely wrong. However, I have been doing two / three movies with him like ‘Rahgeer’, ‘Chandramukhi’ and ‘Hey Baby’. So, there are such gossips. Akshay is a wonderful artist, and he keeps everyone happy on the sets. We feel like being on a picnic during our shoot with him. I have no time for romance.
What about your link up with Sanjay Dutt or John Abraham?
Sanjay is too seasoned to care about it. In regard to John, well, we are like two boys on the sets of ‘Salam-e-Ishq’. I gel well with every unit member that way.
Who is your role model?
I like everyone. This is difficult for me to make a mention of one person. However, the prototype of my ideal man is Gulzaar sahib.
Did you express this to Gulzaar Saheb?
I am tongue-tied before him. He called me bachcha, but liked it, when I told him this.
Is there no one in your life?
No, not yet. There is no man in my life. But, not because of lack of time. I may say that I am waiting for that man.
What’s your experience of working with Abhishek Bachchan?
I have been working with him in ‘Guru’. I find him very cooperative. He turns popular with everyone on the sets. This is his character.
Doesn’t Rani Mukherjee feel insecure of you?
No, this is completely wrong. She was nice to me even when I had just done two movies. In fact, we were supposed to work together but couldn’t do for date’s problem.
What about your relationship with Aish?
Aish is a wonderful person. She is very sweet with me.
How do you like working with banners other than Vidhu Vinod’s?
True, Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s banner is just like a family to me. I can depend on it. However, I am comfortable with Nikhil Advani’s too while working for ‘Salam-e-Ishq’ under his banner. I find his team quite comfortable though initially, I had felt a little nervous there.
What are your forthcoming movies?
I am working in Maniratnam’s ‘Guru’ besides ‘Salam-e-Ishq’ that has six pairs! However, I am paired opposite john Abraham. I am doing two movies with Akshay Kumar. They are ‘Chandramukhi’ and ‘Rahgeer’. I am also doing one with Amitji (Amitabh Bachchan) in ‘Eklavya’. I am indeed lucky and rather proud of working with top banners and top stars.