Vidya Balan is back in her iconic role as Manjulika in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, and in an exclusive conversation with Firstpost, she reflects on her acting journey, personal battles, and the magnetic allure of Bollywood. Known for her nuanced performances, Balan’s career has been a roller coaster of hits and misses, from her breakout in Parineeta to the missteps in Heyy Babyy and Kismat Konnection. However, it was Ishqiya and The Dirty Picture that firmly established her as a powerhouse performer, reigniting her love for the craft and proving her resilience.
Returning as Manjulika, Balan admits she never rehearsed her iconic Ami Je Tomar dance sequence with Madhuri Dixit, making the on-screen magic all the more spontaneous. “Dancing alongside Madhuri was surreal,” she shares, recalling how they connected without extensive preparation. Their unrehearsed chemistry gave a raw edge to their scenes, a connection many fans are celebrating.
Reflecting on Bhool Bhulaiyaa’s enduring appeal, Balan attributes its success to the blend of horror, comedy, and memorable characters, keeping audiences engaged across reruns and OTT streaming platforms. “It’s the kind of film that doesn’t age; it keeps up with the times,” she explains.
On her evolution as an actor, Balan reveals how Ishqiya transformed her outlook, allowing her to explore bolder, complex characters beyond the traditional heroine archetype. “Until then, I was caught in a specific type of role, but Ishqiya was a revelation. It gave me a newfound excitement for acting,” she says. Her subsequent role in The Dirty Picture took her even further into uncharted territory, pushing boundaries and breaking stereotypes.
Her comedic journey is equally varied, with films like Ghanchakkar and Shaadi Ke Side Effects letting her explore humor alongside deeper themes like marital dynamics and parenthood. Despite her knack for blending drama with comedy, she’s still waiting for an “all-out” comedy role.
Discussing the emphasis on box-office success, Balan is pragmatic, recognizing its necessity for the film industry’s survival. “Commercial success keeps the cinema industry alive,” she notes, adding that while OTT platforms are a blessing, theatrical releases need to recoup their costs.
Vidya Balan’s journey reflects the evolving nature of Bollywood, where stars are constantly redefining themselves while battling public perception, and her role as Manjulika is a testament to her versatility.