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Vidya Balan Played Amitabh Bachchan's Mother in 'Paa' Despite Industry Warnings
31 Jul
Summary
- Vidya Balan played Amitabh Bachchan's mother in 2009 film 'Paa'
- Many warned her the role could harm her career, but she followed her instincts
- The role was a turning point that shaped her as an artist
As Vidya Balan celebrates 20 years in the Bollywood industry this August, she looks back on a pivotal moment in her career - playing Amitabh Bachchan's mother in the 2009 film 'Paa'.
When director R. Balki first approached Balan with the idea, she was taken aback. "I thought R Balki had lost it. He said he wanted Abhishek (Bachchan) and me to play Mr Bachchan's parents. It sounded absurd," she recounts. However, after reading the script, something shifted for the actress. "I kept revisiting it, and the actor in me kept saying, 'Do it.' I was scared, though."
Many in the industry cautioned Balan that playing an older woman would end her career. But she chose to follow her instincts, ignoring the "noise" and listening to herself. "I'd already done films that didn't speak to me. Though they worked, I hadn't enjoyed them. I never wanted to feel that disconnect again," she explains.
Ultimately, Balan's decision to take on the unconventional role proved to be a turning point that shaped her as an artist. The 2009 drama 'Paa', directed by R. Balki, went on to receive critical and commercial acclaim, with Amitabh Bachchan winning a National Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of a 12-year-old with progeria.
As Balan continues to captivate audiences two decades into her career, her brave choice to play Amitabh Bachchan's mother stands out as a defining moment that solidified her reputation as a versatile and fearless performer.
