By Jilawatan
Vidya Balan’s a romantic, and she does admit to sounding corny! The actress, who was in Delhi recently, said if she ever wrote a romance, SRK or Salman would star in it.
Five years into the industry and you’ve got an ardent fan and future director in MF Husain…
I know that Husainsaab wants to narrate a script to me, but it depends on when we meet. Because I’d probably travel to London or one such place, where we could meet and discuss. Right now, we haven’t met because I had a slightly hectic schedule and so did he. But there’s no question of starting this September, like it’s being reported, because we’ve not even met. I’ve spoken to him on the phone, though.
Was he as generous with compliments on the phone?
He’s been extremely generous with his compliments. He told me that he watched Ishqiya quite a few times. I was extremely flattered. I think his stroke is so sensual; he’s probably the best judge of sensuality. To get a compliment from him, and to be told that he watched the film 12 times for me, is like a big, big thing. I really don’t know how to react. I just kept saying, ‘I don’t know what to say…’ My God, I still don’t know what to say!
What did you think when the call ended?
That I hopefully will be immortalised not just through one medium, but two. My family, especially my sister, is thrilled. She says she wants one painting in her name. People have started making deals with me!
And what would you ask him for?
That he signs about 200 autographs for me, so that I can become a multi, multi zillionaire. That signature’s all I need. I’ll use it on a wall and make an empire out of it.
How do you keep yourself grounded with such admiration coming your way?
I think I’ve got enough weight to keep me grounded! Jokes apart, I feel it’s a blessing to receive a compliment from an artist of his repute. I feel very humbled. These moments, like any compliment….like when any fan walks up to me for an autograph, I feel overwhelmed. But later, when you go back to those moments late at night, you think – that’s what I work for.
Late at night?
Oh yes. I am not a morning person. I’m usually my most active between 1 and 3am.
And what do you do between 1 and 3am?
I read, I watch films. If I’m not watching a film, I’m writing my diary and if not that, then I’m probably talking to a friend. Sometimes, I just plug in my iPod and take a walk on the balcony.
Are you a regular diary-keeper?
I’ve been writing the diary since I was a kid. My dad used to tell me that it’s a very good habit. Initially, I didn’t know what to write. So, everyday, except Sunday, I’d write, ‘went to school, went to school … ’ But of course, now it’s sometimes about what I did, and then if there are some thoughts I really want to share…
So your diary is your best friend?
No, actually, my best confidante. And the best thing is that the diary doesn’t dispense advice! Sometimes, you just want someone to listen to you without them saying anything. I got into serious diary-writing since 2000, so it’s been 10 years that I’ve been chronicling my feelings. It’s interesting to see how I’ve changed over the years. I’m probably more childlike now. I truly believe that Capricorn-girls are actually born women and progress into being girls. I think it’s a reverse aging that happens with us. A month ago, I was going through my diary from 2004, and I think I took life far more seriously then, than I do now.
What’s been a constant in your diary?
There’s that Vidya in there that sometimes even I’m amazed at. The constant in my life and diary is, I think, my love for life.
Is that something you zealously guard?
Absolutely. That and my ability to trust. It hurts at times, but that’s okay. We are human and to hurt is also part of life. The ability to trust people and believe in the goodness of people is something that I wouldn’t want to change.
Do you love people unconditionally?
Yes, but I do go through my angst moments, even though those are much less now. I used to take life seriously, but I’m literally enjoying life now. There are problems and stress, but I’m very happy.
Last year’s been a joyride professionally, with Paa and Ishqiya. How was it personally?
I can’t draw a line between my personal and professional life. My profession gives me great joy in my personal life. I feel fulfilled when I see pride in the eyes of my parents, sister, brother-in-law. When I see that pride, every moment of everything that one goes through, all the hardship, becomes worth it.
Is it time now for a break?
Actually, I’ve been on a kind of break from shooting for the past few weeks, since I went back from Delhi. I didn’t want to go out of Mumbai because I wanted to enjoy my house. I hadn’t spent time with family since we shifted into the new house. So, I’ve been helping decorate the house, reading, watching lots of films, meeting friends, going on dates (winks)…..
Dates?
No yaar, I’m kidding. I just wish, I just said it aise hi … Honestly, there’s nothing. That’s why I winked!
Okay, so how many boys do you reject everyday?
I wish! Such good fortune…But, where are the boys, really?
There was a recent survey on a website which said that you are the most appropriate bride for Rahul Gandhi, provided he buys you a lifetime’s supply of Sabyasachi saris. What do you say to the prospect?
If that happens, I’ll not wave at people. I’ll just raise The Hand! But seriously, I’m not thinking of marriage right now, though I definitely believe in the institution. It’s not even on the agenda because I haven’t met anyone who has inspired that in me. First, I need to be with someone for a while. I need to romance without the bindings of marriage – there is a lot to do before marriage.
What kind of romance?
Long drives with music that I enjoy in the rains, and maybe buy ourselves cups of chai from a thela. That’ll be the perfect romantic date.
What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done for someone?
Can’t think of anything.
The most naughty?
Let’s not go there!
When did you go on your last date?
Not so long ago that I can forget, and not so recently that I can remember.
You don’t discuss your relationships…
No, I don’t. A relationship is between two people and should remain like that. The problem is that today, everyone is discussing relationships so openly. I don’t like that. Anyway, I think I should become a writer besides being an actor. A romantic novel perhaps, or actually a romantic film. Maybe I’ll start the film in five years when there’ll be a little more experience of romance in my life…
And the hero would be?
Salman Khan. He’s a chhata badmaash, he’s the quintessential lover. Actually, perhaps Shah Rukh. He’s the ultimate romantic. Ufff….I’m a cliched romantic and how…
How?
I’d love for him to look into the mirror when I ask him, ‘Chand dekha?’ and he’d say, ‘Haan, aayine mein dekho…’ I know, it’s corny!
What drives you?
At work, the only thing that drives me is the experience of being someone else. The beauty of being an actor is that you can live so many different lives and you experience so many things, without compromising on your own. Personally, the love of those who matter drives me. I’m still scolded at home, where I’m just my parents’ daughter and my sister and brother-in law’s first child, literally.
After Madhuri Dixit, Tabu and Amrita Rao, MF Husain has found a new muse. The 94–year-old artist has reportedly watched Ishqiya (2010) 12 times already — he had earlier seen Dixit’s Hum Aapke Hain Kaun…! (1994) 70 times—and is fida over the gorgeous Vidya Balan. He wants to paint her and wants her in his next directorial venture.
