I want to do Marathi films: Vidya Balan

The Bollywood actor says she wants to portray diverse characters and is finally getting the opportunity to do so. PHOTO: AFP

“I want to do Marathi films. There is some great work happening in Marathi cinema. Marathi movies are doing well,” she said during the promotional event of Ferrari ki Sawaari in the city on Friday.

Balan, who is not a trained dancer, always wanted to do a lavani dance and was more than happy to do a lavani item number in Ferrari ki Sawaari. In a complete red sari, Vidya sizzled on stage as she performed the item number for the audience. On public demand, she was asked to repeat the performance.

“I always had a dream to do a lavani. But I thought lavani is done only in Marathi films but I was amazed when I got a call from Chopra productions. I was more than happy to do this dance,” she said.

The actor claims she has not received any adverse attention for this song. “I haven’t come across any criticism yet for this song. I got a call from someone who said that I reminded them of some authentic lavani dancers. I am happy for myself.”

When asked who her inspiration was, Balan said, “Madhuri Dixit of course. I really liked Madhuri’s song in Sailaab and Sangeet. I also admire Smita Patil in Bhoomika.”

Double or nothing

The Bollywood actor has essayed a range of characters in showbiz, but she says she always wanted to do a double role.

“I have always wanted to do a double role. Only Sridevi and Hemaji (Hema Malini) have done it so far,” Balan told reporters. “We don’t have double roles for some reason in films anymore. For the longest time after Parineeta, people just wanted to see me as Parineeta. And they didn’t think I was capable of much else. They wanted to pigeonhole me into a stereotype of sorts.”

“But then slowly, one began to push the envelope and thankfully the audience has accepted me with open arms. I was getting to do all these things and make a point,” stated the 33-year-old.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 28^th, 2012.