Formerly an actress from the television industry, now a Bollywood star, Vidya Balan is celebrating her birthday today. Her career in the Hindi film industry has lasted around 15 years. One of the things that make most of the characters played by Vidya so great is that they have been strong independent women, which was a revolutionary development in Indian cinema.
In order to celebrate her special day, we bring you some of her best performances on the silver screens yet:
1. Manjulika – Bhool Bhulaiya
Although the film is known for the comic element in the eerie setting of an ancient haveli, Vidya Balan’s role of Majulika was enough to scare the daylights out of anyone. Apart from giving a convincing performance, her exceptional dancing also won many hearts through the song ‘Mere Dholna’.
2. Lalita – Parineeta
This romantic drama marked the debut of the actress in Bollywood. It was a love story between childhood sweethearts Lalita (Vidya) and Shekhar (Saif Ali Khan) and how they are separated from one another due to huge misunderstandings. The film got critical acclaim and also featured in many international film festivals.
3. Meenakshi – Guru
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51gnCRa_5DQ
She played the role of a specially-abled woman in this Mani Ratnam directorial that was one of the biggest hits of the year. Although people remember the film for seeing Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai on screen after their marriage, Vidya’s performance was another factor that struck an emotional chord with the fans.
4. Silk – The Dirty Picture
The film was pathbreaking in every sense as it depicted women as fierce and powerful and not merely side characters. It was a biographical drama that was based on the life of Silk Smitha, an actress and an important sex symbol from the 70s. She won many awards for her portrayal.
5. Vidya – Kahaani
This thriller by Sujoy Ghosh would keep you super engaged and on the edge of your seats throughout! Vidya Balan was seen as a pregnant woman in the film who is on a quest to look for her husband after he suddenly disappears.
