Vidya Balan shares the secret behind her weight loss and 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3' success
Bollywood star reflects on her transformation, breaking barriers in a candid interview
Vidya Balan, one of Bollywood’s most iconic actresses, has never shied away from breaking stereotypes – whether through her trailblazing roles or her unapologetic attitude towards her body and age.
In an online interview with Gulf News, the actress opened up about her journey of weight loss, tackling ageism in the industry, and the overwhelming success of her latest film, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.
The film, which sees her reprise the iconic role of Manjulika after 17 years, has already grossed an impressive Rs4.2 billion globally, continuing the franchise’s legacy. But it is Vidya's personal transformation that has captured much of the public’s attention.
“I didn’t even set out to shed weight—I didn’t think it was possible,” Vidya admitted, revealing that she never imagined her transformation would happen until she began working with Amura Health, a Chennai-based group that helped her resolve gut issues and eliminate inflammation. What started as a health journey soon led to weight loss, which Vidya now views as a welcome change.
Breaking Barriers in Bollywood
Despite the visible transformation, Vidya also reflected on how people have started treating her differently since shedding the pounds. “They are nicer to me,” she remarked, shedding light on the subtle biases that often accompany body image standards in Bollywood. The actress has long been a vocal advocate for body positivity, challenging the industry's narrow beauty standards.
"I've been told all sorts of things about my body over the years," Vidya continued. “Honestly, I didn’t even set out to shed weight—it was just a health journey that led to this,” she said, highlighting the deeper significance of her transformation. “It’s inspiring to see you and Madhuri breaking ageist norms in the industry,” the interviewer noted, to which Vidya agreed wholeheartedly, citing how both she and Madhuri Dixit continue to defy expectations.
In the same interview, she discussed her relationship with ageism in the film industry and how her career has flourished despite the challenges. “I feel I’ve never had a problem getting roles,” she added. “But I didn’t think I’d have a Diwali release because I haven’t been doing this kind of film for a while now.” Vidya, at 45, continues to push the envelope, proving that age is no barrier to success in Bollywood.
The Magic of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3
Of course, no conversation about Vidya Balan would be complete without mention of her latest film, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. The film, a mix of horror and comedy, has delighted audiences and critics alike. Vidya, who plays the enigmatic Manjulika once again, revealed her initial apprehensions about reprising the role. “When they came to me with the script for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, I loved it. It was befitting for Manjulika,” Vidya said.
Her return to the franchise has been met with rave reviews, especially for the electric energy she shares with Madhuri Dixit. “I was nervous about dancing alongside her. She’s Madhuri Dixit, after all!” Vidya confessed. However, the gorgeous pair's performance in a key song has been hailed as one of the film’s highlights, a moment of pure Bollywood magic.
A Personal Triumph
Beyond her professional life, Vidya has always been open about her personal journey. Married to film producer Siddharth Roy Kapur since 2012, Vidya has created a space for herself as both an artist and a role model. She continues to advocate for diverse and empowering portrayals of women in cinema, often choosing films that challenge traditional gender roles.
On social media, Vidya has shared glimpses of her life, including her passion for fitness and wellness. She is known for using her platform to promote self-acceptance, encouraging her nearly 10 million followers to embrace their bodies, no matter their shape or size.