"I was given the 'bad luck' tag," says Vidya Balan

Vidya Balan has brought each of her roles to life with her unique style and finesse. Whether it's The Dirty Picture, Kahaani, or Tumhari Sulu, her acting always stands out, each performance showing her range and versatility. Apart from her brilliant acting, she is also known for her distinct personality. Recently, with her powerful performance in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, released during Diwali, Vidya once again proved why she is one of the finest actresses in Bollywood. In an exclusive conversation with Mayapuri, Vidya spoke about her film career, working with Madhuri Dixit, mental health, and much more. Here's what she shared:

• Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has been a huge hit, especially this Diwali. What do you think about its success?

I always thought the film would do well, but I didn’t expect it to do this well! I’m so happy to see how much love the film is getting from the audience. Whether it's the film itself or the dance performance with Madhuri Ma'am, everything has been so well received. I am truly delighted.

• After Bhool Bhulaiyaa 1, you weren't a part of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. What was the reason for the gap?

When they approached me for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, I didn’t understand why it was being called a sequel. The story didn’t seem connected to the original, and I thought, "Why call it Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2?" After Bhool Bhulaiyaa 1, the first film had already made its mark, and I was worried about messing with its legacy. I didn’t want to risk losing what was so special about the first film. But when Bhushan and Anees Bhai came to me with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, I loved the script, and I immediately said yes. I had also seen Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 and thought it was a fun movie.

• You mentioned Madhuri Dixit. How was the experience of dancing with her, especially on the iconic song "Ami Je Tomar"?

I was a huge fan of Madhuri Ma’am from a young age. I remember watching her songs on TV, and at that time, I knew I wanted to become an actress like her. So, when I got the opportunity to not just work with her but also dance with her on Ami Je Tomar, I was overwhelmed. It was a very special moment for me. I was a bit nervous because dancing with her is no small thing! But I worked hard and it was such an honor to share the frame with her. I believe the audience enjoyed the performance as well.

• People still remember your dance with Vineet Radhakrishnan in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 1. How do you feel about that iconic performance?

That song is the original, and people first heard "Ami Je Tomar" in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 1. Over the past 17 years, that song, film, and character have become unforgettable, and that’s why Bhool Bhulaiyaa 1 and 2 became such a success. As for Vineet, he’s an exceptional dancer. He started learning dance at the age of four, and even today, he continues to practice. He helped me a lot during the shoot, and we spent hours rehearsing between takes. I feel lucky to have danced on the original song with Vineet, and now with Madhuri Ma’am. It feels like the journey has only gotten better with time.

• In Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, there’s a twist involving Manjulika and Anjulika. The audience was kept guessing about who the real Manjulika is. How did you feel about this twist?

That’s the beauty of the story—it keeps evolving. The twist was unexpected, and that's what kept the audience hooked until the very end. No one could predict what was coming, and that’s what made Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 so exciting. The film has always been about surprises, and this time too, it delivered.

• Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 did amazing business, and now Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is breaking records too. How do you feel about the box office success?

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 has already crossed 168 crores (as of the interview date), and I’m thrilled. I hope it continues to perform well. The film's success is truly a reflection of the hard work that everyone put into it.

• You've always had a positive outlook on life. Can you share more about how you developed this attitude?

I believe this positivity comes from my upbringing. My parents created an environment full of hope and optimism. My sister Priya and I grew up with the belief that as long as the sun rises, there’s hope. This mindset has always helped me stay strong, and I try to pass it on to others as well.

•  You've done many female-centric films, and people now appreciate the idea of women carrying stories on their shoulders. What do you think about this shift in Indian cinema?

It feels great to be part of the wave of female-driven films, and I’m glad I’ve been a part of this change. But honestly, the credit doesn’t go to me alone. It goes to all the women before us who, despite not having the chance to live their dreams, encouraged us to fulfill theirs. This journey has been collective. The actresses before me paved the way, and today, we can continue their legacy.

• You’ve done everything from comedy to drama. Are there any new roles you’re looking forward to exploring?

There’s so much more I want to do! I’ve not yet explored negative characters, and I’d love to do comedy as well. There are so many different types of women and roles to explore in this world.

• What’s the special charm of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3?

It’s a family entertainer—blending horror, comedy, romance, music, and grand sets. It has something for everyone. Most importantly, it makes you laugh, and in today’s world, that’s something we all need.

• You didn’t come from a film background. Was there a particularly tough time during your journey?

Yes, there were several tough phases. When I first started, my debut Malayalam film was shelved, and I was given the "bad luck" tag. Many other films slipped through my hands. But when I found success with Parineeta, I felt like I could finally handle the pressure. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason, and sometimes, you need to go through setbacks to appreciate success.

• Mental health wasn’t spoken about back then, but now it’s a major topic of conversation. How did you deal with rejection and setbacks?

Rejection is never easy. Growing up, we often faced the pressure to be perfect, and when things didn’t work out, it was tough. But I’ve always believed that rejection is just part of the journey. My parents taught me resilience. We need to raise our children to understand that rejection doesn’t mean the end of the road—it’s just a stepping stone to something better.

• Mayapuri is celebrating its 50th anniversary. What do you think about this milestone?

First of all, congratulations to Mayapuri on completing 50 years! You’ve brought stars closer to the audience. I wish you all the best, and here’s hoping you celebrate your centenary soon. I’ve enjoyed reading my interviews in Mayapuri over the years, and I always look forward to them.

• Any message for your fans?

I just want to say thank you to all my fans for their love and support. If you haven’t seen Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 yet, do watch it with your family and friends. It’s a fun film that’s best enjoyed together!

Vidya Balan's journey has been filled with challenges, but she has always persevered. Her story is not just about being an outstanding actress, but also about being a beacon of inspiration. We wish Vidya all the best for her future endeavors and continued success with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.

By Priyanka Yadav

Read also:

• Subhash Ghai officially confirmed Aitraaz 2
  
• Bhojpuri actress Akshara Singh received death threats
• Rajkummar Rao's Fee Soars to New Heights After Stree 2 Blockbuster
• Prime Video Premieres 'Bandish Bandits' Season 2 on December 13