Premium

Vidya Balan reveals she didn’t look in the mirror for six months after producer’s derogatory remark ‘destroyed’ her: ‘I felt ugly’

Vidya Balan recently opened up about a painful memory when she was replaced in a Tamil film and faced derogatory remarks from the producer that significantly damaged her self-image.

Vidya Balan in a still from Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.

The original Manjulika, Vidya Balan, is making her much-anticipated return to the big screen in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. As she promotes her new film, Vidya recently opened up about a painful memory from her early career when she was replaced in a Tamil film and faced derogatory remarks from the producer that significantly damaged her self-image, leaving her unable to look at herself in the mirror for six months.

In an interaction with Galatta India, Vidya shared that she was replaced in a Tamil film early in her career after shooting for just two days. When she sought an explanation from the producer at his office, she was met with rude remarks about her acting and dancing skills. She recalled, “I did a Tamil film. I shot for it for two days and then I got replaced. I went with my parents to speak to the producer at his office in Chennai. He showed us some clips from the film and said to my parents, ‘Dekho, kisi angle se heroine dikhte hai (Does she look like a heroine from any angle)? She doesn’t know how to act or dance.’ I was thinking, first let me act and dance; I hardly shot for the film.”

Although Vidya was accustomed to facing rejections early in her career, the producer’s harsh words left a lasting impact on her, leading to body image issues that lasted for six months. She reflected, “For six months, I didn’t look at myself in the mirror because I felt ugly. If you want to reject someone, do that, but always be kind with your words because words have the power to be really damaging or nurturing. I will never forget that. It was an early lesson in life to be kind to people because he really destroyed my self-image for six months.”

Story continues below this ad

Also read | Singham Again did not add Ramayan to encash on Diwali, says writer Milap Zaveri: ‘Ramayan was in the script from the start’

Earlier, during an interview with Expresso, Vidya revealed that she had been replaced in a dozen films after being labeled ‘unlucky’ following the shelving of a film with Mohanlal. However, everything changed when she starred in Sanjay Dutt’s Lage Raho Munna Bhai, which became a massive hit. Ironically, the same Tamil film producer who had replaced her later approached her for a significant role in another project.

In Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Vidya Balan will be joined by Madhuri Dixit, who will also portray the iconic character of Manjulika. The film is set to release on November 1 and features Kartik Aaryan in the lead role.

Click here to follow Screen Digital on YouTube and stay updated with the latest from the world of cinema.

Tags:
Vidya Balan

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) President Vijay addresses the party's second State-level conference, in Madurai, Thursday, August 21, 2025. (PTI Photo)

Vijay taunts ‘Stalin uncle’, makes pitch to become Tamil Nadu’s main Opposition

India5 min ago

Actor-turned-politician Vijay addressed a crowd of over 3 lakh in Madurai, targeting the ruling DMK, weakened AIADMK, and BJP. The rally was dominated by youth, women, and families. Vijay invoked MGR and Vijayakanth, declared TVK as a state-wide challenger, and reserved sharp barbs for PM Modi. He accused Stalin of cheating and forming alliances with BJP.

View all shorts

More Entertainment

Entertainment Tehran: John Abraham's geopolitical thriller isn't smarter than a fifth grader, no matter how many newspapers it reads