By Sanya Pandey
New Delhi, Nov 12 (UNI) Known for portraying strong characters in women-centric movies like 'Begum Jaan', 'The Dirty Picture' and 'Ishqiya', Bollywood actor Vidya Balan says now there is no need for her to fit into any image, film or a certain role.
Talking to UNI, Vidya who was in the National Capital to promote her upcoming movie 'Tumhari Sulu', said,"In the past few years, people have been writing films keeping me in mind. So, I think there is no need for me to fit into any image or do only certain kinds of films or roles, because I think that's limiting for an actor. I want to do every kind of role."
Talking about her character 'Sulu' and how different it is from the housewife she played in movie 'Ghanchakkar', Vidya said," Sulu is mad. I identify with her a lot. People who know me know that I have a crazy mad side to me. And I have been doing intense stuff lately. So it has been such a refreshing change to play a character who laughs easily on jokes, who is so full of enthu-- she is a enthu cutlet, she believes that she can do everything and I loved playing this character."
Sulu is closer to me, because 'Ghanchakkar' was a dark comedy and she was little over the top, and I know people will like 'Sulu' . People will be able to relate to this character easily.'
Asked to compare 'Sulu' --a housewife turned radio jockey (RJ) to her similar role in 'Lage Raho Munna Bhai', Vidya said,"The two roles are completely different. In 'Lage Raho Munna Bhai', she was innocent, sweet, lively. In this, one is a complete madhatter, unpredictable who does late night show on radio where she speaks in a sensuous way. She doesn't think before talking or saying anything. She is spontaneous."
Also, now I am more comfortable as an actor. During 'Lage Raho Munna Bhai', I was too new. So I enjoyed Sulu more.'
The actress said the message of the movie is a partnership between two people.
"Modern marriage is a partnership between two people. It cannot be anything but that. So both have to adapt and change rather than only one person doing more than his/her partner," she said.
Vidya, however, lamented the fact that strong comic roles are not written for women in Bollywood.
"I think such roles are not written for women. I can only think of few actresses who got a chance to do comic roles like Sridevi, Juhi Chawla, and now Kangana Ranaut did a little bit. I am glad I got to do this. It's easier for people to write a serious role in a women-centric film. So I am glad this role was written for me,'she said.
The 'Ishqiya' fame actress , however, said Bollywood has come a long way to accept women-centric movies.
"Nine years back when I was doing 'Ishqiya', there were no women centric movies. At least now, we have them and those boundaries are getting opened now. So in nine years, there gas been a big improvement," she said.
She also felt that the film industry was becoming more and more professional.
"I think it's getting more and more professional. Of course there has been a surge in women-centric cinemas. It's a great time for the female actor. And I am very happy with the kind of work I am doing,' she said.
The actress said the industry is not star driven.
"Especially this year has proven this. So, I think the industry is content driven. Content is queen," she said.
When asked that in a lot of our films, we don't see female characters with an independent voice, so for her where did that wakening come from, Vidya said,"I think it's how I have been brought up. The environment at home. We have always been encouraged to use our voice which is why I am leading my life on my own terms, and I am doing films which I like and choosing only those films where women have a voice."
Asked for her reaction on Shabana Azmi's recent statement that if 'Arth' is ever remade, they should cast Vidya Balan, the 'Parineeta' fame actress said,"That is a compliment. I love Shabana Azmi and her work in 'Arth'. For me Shabana Azmi in 'Arth' is a Bible to me. Therefore, I won't touch it because I can't match upto Shabana Azmi is any way.'
On whether Indian look has become her signature style, Vidya said," I just love to wear Indian. I feel comfortable and beautiful in Indian attire. There is no strategy behind it."
On the issue of censorship, Vidya who was recently appointed a member of the CBFC, said,"I personally feel that adult should have self-censorship. So that should apply to our films also. We decide what we want to see and don't want to see. This should be the certification. But as the member of CBFC, I would say that's not in our hands and for that the law would have to change.'
The actress said she would love to do biopics on Indira Gandhi, Meena Kumari and M S Subbulakshmi.
The actress said she that at present, there are no new films in the offing.
"I haven't signed any films. I will take an off, relax and go through the scripts and decide what to do next,'she said.
'Tumhari Sulu' is a comedy-drama film, directed by the Suresh Triveni and produced under the banners of T-Series and Ellipsis Entertainment.
Vidya Balan (Sulochana aka Sulu) essays the role of a night radio jockey in Mumbai. The film stars Manav Kaul as Sulu's husband, Neha Dhupia as Sulu's Boss, and renowned RJ, Malishka, as Albeli Anjali.
The movie will hit the theatres on November 17.
UNI PY/AR SV SB 1153