Vidya Balan, draped in ‘inner strength’ and love for Ludhiana and its people - Hindustan Times
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Vidya Balan, draped in ‘inner strength’ and love for Ludhiana and its people

ByAneesha Sareen Kumar, Ludhiana
Jan 10, 2023 11:46 PM IST

While she first came to Ludhiana in 2011 to promote her film, Dirty Picture, Vidya Balan said the city as well as Punjab holds a special place in her heart

Visiting the city after over a decade, actor Vidya Balan captivated the audience — over 300 women entrepreneurs’ members of Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry Ladies Organisation (FICCIFLO) — during an over an hour-long interaction on Tuesday.

Vidya Balan interacting with FICCI members at an event in Ludhiana. (Gurpreet Singh/HT)
Vidya Balan interacting with FICCI members at an event in Ludhiana. (Gurpreet Singh/HT)

Draped in a black saree for the event, Vidya said it was the best attire on the planet as one does not have to fit in it. “A saree embraces you. It tells you how beautiful you are,” she said.

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While she first came to Ludhiana in 2011 to promote her film, Dirty Picture, Vidya Balan said the city as well as Punjab holds a special place in her heart. “My husband (Sidharth Roy Kapur) is a Punjabi and the people here are always special. I feel so much warmth in everyone here, the women are the most beautiful and most amazing,” she said.

“Women have a lot of strength, they have been leaving men far behind with their endeavours. I believe nothing is impossible,” she said.

Having made a memorable debut into Bollywood with the film ‘Parineeta’ in 2005 and later foraying into varied roles that won her critical acclaim and a National Award, Vidya recalled her initial struggles when would be criticised for her body.

She spoke of the importance of being ‘selectively deaf’ and ‘listening to your inner voice’, adding, “I started listening to my inner voice and said to myself that I am okay with who I am. The more I started accepting my body, the healthier I became.”

Asserting how one can practice selective deafness, Vidya said no matter what one does, they can never be good enough to please everyone.

“The only person who is good enough is you. I feel proud and grateful that I have come this far. The journey has not been easy but definitely easier that I thought. Selective deafness and shamelessness are powerful,” she said, adding that one has to shut their ears to society and do what makes them happy.

The event concluded with Vidya dancing to the tunes of ‘oo lala’, the tunes of which reverberated through the hall sending everyone into a thunderous applause.

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