Vidya Balan

Vidya Balan: A Steadfast Career in Indian Cinema Vidya Balan, a prominent figure in Hindi cinema, has carved a niche for herself by portraying strong, complex female characters, defying conventional Bollywood tropes. Her contributions have earned her widespread recognition, including a National Film Award and seven Filmfare Awards, and the Padma Shri in 2014. Balan's journey began with a minor role in the 1995 sitcom Hum Paanch. After several unsuccessful attempts to break into films, she debuted in the Bengali film Bhalo Theko (2003). Her Hindi film debut in Parineeta (2005) garnered critical acclaim, followed by commercial successes in Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006) and Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007). Her career trajectory significantly shifted with a string of five commercially successful films showcasing headstrong female leads: Paa (2009), Ishqiya (2010), No One Killed Jessica (2011), Kahaani (2012), and The Dirty Picture (2011), the latter earning her the National Film Award for Best Actress. After a period of less prominent roles, Balan's resurgence began with Tumhari Sulu (2017) and Mission Mangal (2019), portraying relatable women balancing professional and personal lives. Her recent successes include the Amazon Prime Video films Shakuntala Devi (2020), Sherni (2021), and Jalsa (2022), culminating in her highest-grossing release to date, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 (2024). Beyond her acting career, Balan actively champions women's empowerment and humanitarian causes. She serves on the Indian Central Board of Film Certification and has hosted a radio show. Initially facing criticism for her appearance, she later garnered appreciation for her unconventional style. She is married to film producer Siddharth Roy Kapur.