South Said No, Bollywood Said Yes!

Vidya Balan, one of Bollywood’s most versatile actresses, recently shared a lesser-known chapter of her early career in the South Indian film industry.

In a candid interview, she disclosed how she lost over eight film projects after being unfairly branded a ‘jinx’ after Mohanlal’s Malayalam film Chakram was shelved forever.

She said the incident left a deep scar on her, however Vidya came out of it due to her resilience to excel in cinema. Subsequently, the incident helped her carve a remarkable path in Indian cinema.

Vidya began her acting journey in the South, working in Tamil and Malayalam films. She was happened to cast opposite Mohanlal in the project Chakram, a highly anticipated project, but the film never saw the light of the day.

However, when the film was stalled due to unforeseen reasons, the industry unfairly pointed fingers at her and blamed her, she admitted. “People started calling me a jinx,” Vidya recalled, adding that the label cost her multiple opportunities.

Despite her talent, she faced rejection as producers hesitated to sign her, fearing bad luck.The actress admitted that the experience was depressing, especially as a newcomer as she tried to find her footing in film industry.

Yet, Vidya refused to budge. She didn’t let the setback define her. She shifted her focus to Bollywood, where she debuted with Parineeta in 2005, earning widespread acclaim.

Her powerful performances in films that came later like Kahaani, Tumhari Sulu, and Shakuntala Devi established her as a trailblazer who redefined female-led stories in Hindi cinema.

Vidya said her story as a struggling actor is a testament to perseverance. She urged aspiring actors to stay strong in the face of challenges, while stressing that talent and hard work eventually shine through.