Vidya Balan on nepotism in Bollywood: ‘It is not anyone’s father’s industry’

Nepotism is one of the never-ending debates in Bollywood. And, recently Vidya Balan has shared her take on nepotism. 

Balan, who has been working in this industry for over two decades, and has been known for playing versatile roles in her career, spoke candidly on nepotism while speaking at a session of Indian Express Expresso.  

Sharing her views on the debatable topic, Vidya opined that there is no nepotism in this industry, by giving an example of herself. 

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“Nepotism or no nepotism, I am here. Kisi ki baap ki industry nahi hai, nahi toh har baap ka beta, har baap ki beti successful hote (The film industry does not belong to anyone's father, else every star kid would be successful),” she said. 

Balan is one of the actors who had no big connections in the Indian film industry and has started from scratch. Vidya, who aspired to become an actor from childhood, made her acting debut with Ekta Kapoor's daily soap Hum Paanch.

The actor further added, “I have been happy doing my own things. There were times when I felt like, ‘Maybe if I had the protection of certain people, people would have been a bit kinder in those phases.’ But in terms of opportunities, I don’t think anybody has been able to deny me my share.”

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Reflecting on her struggles and the body shaming she had to go through in her career, Vidya recalled how she used to lose confidence thinking of how people would react to her looks. 

“You had to see my mother. Every time I stepped out for an appearance, I would be at the door and she would look at me from top to toe and she would ask if it was okay for me to go dressed like that. Suddenly I would lose my confidence because I would see her nervous. Honestly, it was disproportionate because it was weight on my body, clothes that I wore, kisi ke baap ka kya jaata hai? (how is anyone getting affected by this)”

Vidya Balan will next be seen on Do Aur Do Pyaar. Apart from Vidya, the movie stars Pratik Gandhi, Illeana D'Cruz and Sendhil Ramamurthy. The movie will be released on April 19. 

She will next be seen in Anees Bazmeer's Bhool Bhaulaiyaa 3. She will reprise the role of Manjulika.