Vidya Balan says male stars are ‘uncomfortable with women taking centre stage’: ‘It’s their loss, we are doing better films’

At the inaugural session of The Indian Express' Expresso, Vidya Balan revealed that with successful films she even faced reluctance from male stars when it came to sharing screen space with her.

Vidya Balan on her weight loss transformation (Photo: Vidya Balan/Instagram)

Vidya Balan graced the inaugural session of Expresso in Mumbai on Friday. During the candid conversation, Vidya spoke at length about her past relationships, her marriage, and her initial days in the industry. She even shed light on how her successful films like Ishqiya, The Dirty Picture, and others led to her facing reluctance from male actors when it came to sharing screen space with her.

Vidya said, “Back in the day? (rolls eyes) I don’t think they’d be okay even today to star in a Vidya Balan film or a female-led film for that matter. It’s their loss honestly because we are doing better films than they are. I genuinely believe that. They are doing more formulae-based films, women-led films are far more exciting.”

The actor added, “Of course, people have been appreciative, but male stars are uncomfortable with women taking centre stage. I don’t think they’d be okay with anyone stealing the thunder. But I never felt bad. I was like if they are threatened, what can I do? (laughs)”

Watch the conversation here:

The Shakuntala Devi actor also opened up about how the ‘witch hunt’ against her in Bollywood made her lose confidence.

Also Read: Vidya Balan reveals she faced a ‘witch-hunt’ in the film industry: ‘It came from a personal issue that someone was having with me’

Vidya Balan was joined by her Do Aur Do co-star Pratik Gandhi at the event. The Indian Express group in association with HSBC and Taj Hotels have come together to build a unique platform – The Indian Express Expresso to create content that is eclectic, intimate, intelligent, and fun with personalities from spheres of art, culture, and entertainment.

Also Read | Vidya Balan on nepotism in Hindi film industry: ‘Kissi ki baap ki industry nahi hai’

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Vidya Balan and Pratik Gandhi will next be seen in Do Aur Do Pyaar. The film is directed by Shirsha Guha Thakurta and also stars Ileana D’cruz and Sendhil Ramamurthy in important roles. Do Aur Do Pyaar releases on April 19.

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