Vidya Balan Recalls Being Bullied At An Award Function, Shares Her First Nepotism Experience

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APRIL 25,2024

Isn't it refreshing when Bollywood offers you something out-of-the box and relaxing? In the sea of action drama and forced comedy, Do Aur Do Pyaar is proving to become one of the individualistic movies showcasing Vidya Balan and Pratik Gandhi's phenomenal performances.

The actress, who is busy promoting her recent release, has been chatting with several media houses and influencers, where she is seen recalling her past struggles and tough times before becoming a household name in the industry.

In a recent interview, Vidya Balan recalled the time when she was cornered and criticized for her costumes in Heyy Babyy. She was the leading lady of the 2007 romantic comedy helmed by Sajid Khan.

Vidya Balan on being bullied

She may be a knockout in Bollywood today, but there was a time when Vidya faced severe criticism and was often cornered at the beginning of her acting career. This also includes the rotten rat that's plagued the film industry: nepotism.

Vidya sat down for a candid chat with podcaster Samdish Bhatia on his podcast, Unfiltered With Samdish, where the Kahaani actress recalled the time when she received the Na-Real award at the 2008 Filmfare Awards for her costumes in the Sajid Khan directorial Heyy Babyy.

Also Read: OG Manjulika Aka Vidya Balan Begins Shooting For Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Alongside Kartik Aaryan


'When they told me they were going to give me the Na-Real award, I said, 'Why me? My clothes are not just my choice, right?' At that time, I was too new to have an opinion on anything. So they said, 'No, we're just doing this fun segment, so we're going to give you this award.' So I said, 'Fine, but I'm going to share it with the costume designer and the director, and they said, 'No, you mustn't do that.' And that, I think, is not nice,' Balan recalled.

The Do Aur Do Pyaar actor was ready to be a sport until she learned that the actor who was supposed to receive this made-up award in the first place had backed out.

Vidya Balan on nepotism

Realizing that she was the only one being targeted through the 'fun segment', Vidya Balan decided to name the director and costume designer of the movie. She faced massive backlash and criticism from her friends and peers in the industry.

Also Read: When Vidya Balan Opened Up On Nepotism Debate, Says "Yeh Industry Kisi Ke Baap Ki Nahi"

She recalls it being her very first experience with nepotism and revealed, 'At that night, I was shattered. I was shattered because I was very alone. I realized that yes, it does make a difference when you don't come from a film family. Because no one outside you is looking out for you."

"It felt like bullying to me. It was, and it undoubtedly was. Just because I don't come with a certain shield, you can't... I thought it was a joke, so it was okay. But when I realized I was the only one being made fun of, it wasn't funny anymore,' Vidya further added.

More about Do Aur Do Pyaar

The recently released romantic drama features Vidya Balan, Pratik Gandhi, Sendhil Ramamurthy, and Ileana D'Cruz in leading roles.

The plot of the film revolves around an unhappy couple who fall out of love after being married for over a decade and how they try to find happiness in their extramarital affairs.

Released on April 19, Do Aur Do Pyaar marks the directorial debut of Shirsha Guha Thakurta.

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