Actor Vidya Balan and her co-star Pratik Gandhi from “Do Aur Do Pyaar” were featured in the inaugural session of Indian Express’s new series “Expresso”. During the event, Vidya candidly discussed her experiences of facing criticism and scrutiny in Bollywood. She revealed instances of being body-shamed and criticized for her fashion choices.
Vidya acknowledged facing a “witch hunt” in the industry, attributing it to personal issues others had with her. Despite the challenges, she expressed resilience, stating that she has emerged stronger from those experiences.
Reflecting on her early days in the industry, Vidya shared anecdotes about feeling pressured by societal standards and the Page 3 culture, where her name was often mentioned in unrelated articles. However, she asserted her independence, emphasizing her newfound confidence in making her own choices without succumbing to external judgment.
When discussing her on-screen presence in earlier films, Vidya admitted to initially deferring to costume designers and other professionals without questioning their decisions. However, she realized the importance of asserting herself creatively, leading her to pursue roles that challenged her and showcased her talent more effectively.
The Expresso series, a collaboration between Indian Express group, HSBC, and Taj Hotels, aims to provide a platform for intimate and insightful conversations with personalities from the arts, culture, and entertainment industries.
