Vidya Balan: It breaks my heart when a film doesn’t do well at box office

Vidya Balan is gearing up for her upcoming release ‘Begum Jaan’. Although it created massive hype, her last film ‘Kahaani 2’ failed to leave an impressive mark at the box office. In fact that was the case for a series of her films of late, including ‘Humari Adhuri Kahani’, ‘Te3n’ and ‘Bobby Jasoos’.

True, one would never question Vidya’s acting abilities. Whether or not her films do well commercially, she herself always delivers commendable performances. But an artiste is still likely to be impacted as and when his or her films are not making money.

In a recent conversation with Indian Express, she was asked the same. (Also Read: “I can’t be Begum Jaan and speak shayarana Urdu,” says Vidya Balan on mouthing abuses)

“Of course, it disappoints me. It breaks my heart when the film doesn’t do well at box office. For me, any film is like a baby to me. It’s a labour of love. You are hoping for everyone to accept your film. And it’s very difficult to tell why a film failed at the box office. But then I cry, I grieve, I mourn and I move on. Because I feel blessed to be living my dream. My only dream was to be an actor. I am happiest on sets. When I am on sets I don’t care whether my previous film was a hit or flop or if this film is going to work or not. That process keeps me going. Acting keeps me alive,” Vidya answered, adding that the failure of ‘Hamari Adhuri Kahani’ led her to tears.

“I had five back-to-back hits before Hamari Adhuri Kahaani. I was given all kind of tags attached to my name. And I felt invincible and thought nothing could go wrong, that no film of mine will ever flop. And suddenly my films weren’t working. However, on one Sunday after the release of Hamari Adhuri Kahaani, I spoke to Bhatt sir and broke down. But then I realised that I can only give my all to a film during filmmaking and promotions. And I shouldn’t be caught up in this number game. So there is no resentment towards any of the films that haven’t worked,” she said.

That is indeed a brave approach!

‘Begum Jaan’ is directed by Srijit Mukherji and will hit the theatres on 14th April.

Ranjini Maitra

Journalist. Writer. Reader. Enthu cutlet. Mood-swing machine. Day dreamer. Sandwiched between ‘live life fully’ and ‘lose some weight’. Mantra of life: Love and love more.