PremiumVidya Balan - 'Nepotism or no nepotism, I am here; kisi ki baap ki industry nahi hai'
Vidya Balan and Pratik Gandhi candidly revealed the harsh realities of Bollywood, discussing the odds they've faced in the industry.
Last Updated: 10.25 AM, Apr 13, 2024
Carving up a special place for oneself in the Hindi film industry requires persistence and resolve. During an open discussion, Vidya Balan and Pratik Gandhi discussed their experiences with rejection, being called "jinxed," and a "witch hunt" that preceded their triumph. The forthcoming film, Do Aur Do Pyaar, features the two of them working together.
Vidya Balan on facing bias in Bollywood
During the session, when Vidya was asked if she encountered bias in the industry, the ator stated that, however the case may be, she would not back down. In Hindi, she said, "Kisi ki baap ki industry nahi hai, nahi toh har baap ka beta, har baap ki beti successful hote." Which loosely translates as: if the film industry belonged to anybody's father, all the star kids would have been successful by now.
Pratik, who made his big debut in Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story, discussed his rise to fame. Moving from Surat to Mumbai was not without its difficulties. The actor explained that the TV flat-out turned him down. He was turned down for every single audition he went for, as their conception of a TV actor was slightly different. Pratik's appearance didn't appeal to them. He shared that they were seeking a specific type of body type, complexion, and appearance.
Vidya Balan recounts personal and professional hardships
Meanwhile, Vidya also discussed the "witch-hunt" that she endured at the beginning of her career. She was in the midst of a three-year period of devastating grief. The intense feeling of rejection crushed the actor. She was devastated, and she lost the will to keep going in this direction. "But the fire in my belly was more important than anything else," she said.
Do Aur Do Pyaar portrays Vidya and Pratik as a cheating married couple who find love again. Shirsha Guha Thakurta is the director, and Sendhil Ramamurthy and Ileana D'Cruz are co-actors. The film is hitting the big screen on April 19, 2024.