Vidya Balan, an esteemed Indian actress celebrated for her versatile roles and strong on-screen presence, has redefined the landscape of Bollywood with her impactful performances and commitment to challenging stereotypes.
Biographical Data:
- Born Name: Vidya Balan
- Nick Name: Vidhi, V
- Age: 45 years old (Born January 01, 1979)
- Sun Sign: Capricorn
- Born Place: Chembur, Mumbai, India
- Nationality: Indian
Occupation: Actress
Best Known For: Her portrayal of complex characters in Hindi cinema, breaking norms and garnering critical acclaim.
Birth and Background: Vidya Balan spent her formative years in Mumbai, attending St. Anthony Girls’ High School and later pursuing Sociology at St. Xavier’s College. She earned her MA from the University of Mumbai.
Residence: Details not specified.
Physical Attributes:
- Build: Average
- Height: 5 ft 3 in or 160 cm
- Weight: 57 kg or 126 pounds
- Measurements: Details not specified.
Distinctive Features: Vidya Balan is recognized for her distinctive voice and her ability to seamlessly immerse herself into character roles.
Career and Achievements:
- First Film: “Bhalo Theko” (2003) marked her debut in Bengali cinema, while “Parineeta” (2005) brought her widespread recognition in Hindi cinema, earning her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.
- Career Highlights: Vidya Balan has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Padma Shri in 2014, for her contributions to Indian cinema.
Manager: Bling Entertainment Solutions
Personal Life:
- Family: Her father, P. R. Balan, served as Executive Vice-President of Digicable, while her mother, Saraswathy Balan, is a homemaker. She has an older sister, Priya Balan, who works in advertising.
- Boyfriend / Spouse: Married Siddharth Roy Kapur, CEO of UTV Motion Pictures, since December 14, 2012, in Mumbai.
Brand Endorsements: Vidya Balan has been associated with brands like Surf, Clinic Plus shampoo, and has supported initiatives such as UNICEF Total Sanitation and the World Wildlife Fund’s Earth Hour campaign.
Favorite Things:
- Favorite Film: “Before Sunrise”, “Before Sunset”
- Favorite Director: Gulzar, Hrishikesh Mukherjee
- Favorite Actors: Morgan Freeman, Amitabh Bachchan, Al Pacino
- Favorite Actresses: Kate Winslet, Julie Delpy, Julia Roberts
- Favorite Book: “Brida” by Paulo Coelho
- Favorite Food: Thai cuisine, homemade food
- Role Model: Her older sister, Priya
- Favorite Musician / Band: Zakir Hussain, Michael Jackson, Enrique, Indian Ocean, Midival Punditz
First Film: Her breakthrough in Hindi cinema came with “Parineeta” (2005), where she portrayed the character Lalita and garnered critical acclaim.
Personal Trainer: Details not specified.
Facts:
- Vidya Balan faced initial struggles in Bollywood, being labeled as jinxed and facing rejection multiple times before her breakthrough.
- She is multilingual, proficient in English, Hindi, Malayalam, and Tamil, and has a basic understanding of Bengali.
- Actively involved in social causes, Vidya Balan supports initiatives related to AIDS research and women’s empowerment.
- She is known for her advocacy of gender equality, which was highlighted in her production venture, the short film “Natkhat” (2019).
Outro: Vidya Balan continues to inspire audiences with her commitment to challenging stereotypes and her dedication to empowering women both on-screen and off-screen. Her journey from a determined newcomer to a celebrated actress and producer underscores her significant impact on Indian cinema and cultural narratives.