‘I hope I can demand a bigger pay cheque now’

She had five films in her kitty last year. And in 2008, with Halla Bol , Vidya Balan takes a shot at cinema that speaks up for values

What is your role in Halla Bol?
Halla Bol is the journey of an actor from being a reel-life to a real-life hero. Ajay Devgan plays Ashfaque, an actor who has to face many hostile situations. I play his love interest and wife. Sneha, my character, is that of a small-town girl who supports her husband through his problems. But even when she becomes the wife of a big superstar, she maintains a level of simplicity.

Was your earthy character the reason for you to take up the film?
Yes, but the character was only a part of it. I chose the role because the film talks of a prevalent issue. It’s not often that we see an actor stand up for something that is right. Aamir Khan did it with Rang De Basanti and in a way Ajay does the same with Halla Bol. At no point does the film preach, which is a positive. I believe Halla Bol gave me a chance to uphold my values as a person and as an actor.

There are plans for the film’s cast to do street theatre.
Yes, and I am very excited about it. Street theatre is the perfect medium to connect with people and speak on relevant issues. Our film tries to speak about standing up against what is wrong and I believe using street theatre will help send that message. I am not sure on how things will work but I do know that Om Katare, a very reputed theatre director, is working on it.

This is your first film with Rajkumar Santoshi. How was the experience of working with him?
Rajji is very organised. Before every scene, he would come up to our individual vans and explain the entire scene to us. He had all the scenes written in his own handwriting and he would take us through them in a jiffy. It really made our jobs as actors very easy.

You also worked with Pankaj Kapur and Ajay Devgan. Quite an intimidating cast.
Sharing screen space with these stalwarts was truly an electrifying experience. I wouldn’t say I was intimidated, but I was definitely in awe. And the best thing was, all three of my colleagues had completely distinct personalities. While Ajay is this impulsive and carefree actor who just walks up in front of the camera and delivers the shot as easily as he puffs a cigarette, Pankaj Kapur is very much the thinking, reserved method actor. Rajji, on the other hand is a planner, but always in high spirits.

Has the recent success of Heyy Babyy and Bhool Bhulaiyaa got you better work?
Well, it’s certainly got me noticed and I hope that the added attention will allow me to raise my fee by a notch. I hope the success of these films gets me better and more challenging roles.

With five releases in 2007, you must be gearing up for 2008.
2007 was a mad dash. The year that went by was pretty hectic. The new year, as of now, is pretty eased up. I haven’t signed many films but I am sure when good roles come by, I’ll be all tied up.

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What would you say to those who linked you with Saif Ali Khan, Shahid Kapur and even Sanjay Dutt?
Wah! Kya range hai! From Shahid to Sanjay, there must really be something special in me. (Laughs) Jokes apart, I know all that gossip is a part of the film industry. I used to feel shattered while I was still new, but gradually I realised it comes with the profession. Now I just laugh it off.

You must be looking forward to Kismat Konnection, which is already making a lot of news.
Kismat Konnection is a feel-good film and I am very upbeat about it. Working with Aziz Mirza has been a delight. I am glad I got the chance to work with someone as positive as him. He really brings out the best in an actor.
—Courtesy Screen