Before her celebrated debut in “Parineeta,” actress Vidya Balan recalls a moment of dread when producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra suggested she undergo plastic surgery for her nose.
A Challenging Start to Stardom
Vidya Balan made a powerful entry into Hindi cinema with “Parineeta,” a film that quickly established her as a formidable talent. However, the journey wasn’t without its early hurdles.
In a recent interview, Vidya revealed a shocking conversation with producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra. She recounted him saying, “Your nose is too long, let’s get a surgery done.” This suggestion left her deeply shaken.
Vidya firmly refused the idea, explaining her long-standing principle: “To this day I have not touched my face. I get a facial done once in a while, and that’s about it.” She believes in embracing natural beauty, seeing it as a gift.
Learning from Past Experiences
This wasn’t the first time Vidya had faced pressure to alter her appearance or identity for a role. Earlier in her career, before “Parineeta,” she was working on a Malayalam film where makers insisted she change her surname to “Iyer.”
She complied, albeit reluctantly, and even cried over it. However, that film ultimately didn’t materialize. This experience taught her a valuable lesson: if she’s uncomfortable doing something, it’s unlikely to work out.
This past experience strengthened her resolve when Vidhu Vinod Chopra made his suggestion. She turned to “Parineeta” director Pradeep Sarkar, who reassured her and promised to manage the situation.
A Foundation of Professional Discipline
Despite the initial discomfort, Vidya looks back fondly on her time with Vinod Chopra Films, calling it her “alma mater.” She credits the production house for instilling a strong sense of discipline and professionalism in her.
She learned the importance of thorough preparation, ensuring that no time was wasted on set. These early lessons, combined with her existing “South Indian discipline,” provided a robust foundation for her illustrious career.
Key Takeaways
- Vidya Balan faced pressure for a nose job before her debut in “Parineeta.”
- She firmly refused, staying true to her belief in natural beauty.
- A past experience with a Malayalam film reinforced her decision to avoid uncomfortable changes.
- Director Pradeep Sarkar supported her against the producer’s suggestion.
- Despite the incident, Vidya values the professional discipline learned at Vinod Chopra Films.
“Parineeta” recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of Vidya Balan’s impactful presence in the Hindi film industry. She was most recently seen in the hit horror-comedy “Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.”
