By Jilawatan

Patience pays. And Vidya Balan will vouch for this. Till a year ago, nothing was going her way as far as her public image was concerned. Everything from her choice of clothes to her weight was being criticised. But the 28-year-old actress turned into the flavour of the season last weekend when she took home the Best Actor Award — her first — for her performance as Auro’s mother in Paa, a film that revolves around a father-son relationship.

“This award has been very gratifying. The criticism I received over the last two years was all superficial. I’m happy that the filmmakers came to me despite what was being written and showed faith in my work — they knew weight and looks can always be taken care of.” And it has been, indeed.

At the awards night, a svelte Balan traded a Sabyasachi at the last moment for a green and maroon Kanjeevaram sari that her parents had gifted her on her birthday. In return, she walked away with all the possible compliments.