Secure: ‘I’ve never felt competitive in the industry’

Vidya Balan claims parents raised her to be strong, confident in own abilities

Vidya Balan has seen a lot of ups and downs in her 11-year film career but the National Award-winning actor says she has never felt competitive throughout. Instead, Balan always appreciates the hard work of other people but has never followed someone else’s path of success.

“I’ve never felt competitive in the industry. I watch other people’s work and if I like something, I really appreciate it. But it never makes me feel like ‘Oh my god, I wish I could be like him or her’,” The Indian Express quoted the actor as saying. “I’m not competitive by nature. I don’t even compare any two films of mine.”

Balan claims she lives in her own world with two supportive pillars: her parents. “I’ve grown in confidence. As you grow in age and experience and you see success, your confidence grows,” she said. “One of the most invaluable gifts my parents have given both my sister and I is the freedom to be ourselves and that confidence comes from there.”

Naturally even Balan loses confidence in herself at times but always makes sure to get it back. “I have always been very confident. Sometimes that confidence gets shaken up and you doubt yourself but somehow we manage to bounce back,” added the Kahaani 2 star.

Balan went on to say that it’s shattering when movies don’t work because it involves a lot of effort of many people. “I was heartbroken when my films didn’t do well. Because, I give so much of myself to the film, it’s really shattering,” she said. “But, I grieve and get over it because, unless you do that, you can’t move forward.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 2^nd, 2016.

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