CITS: Vidya Balan

Starting June off with the bang, we have the Ooh La La babe, Vidya Balan, in the spotlight! 

Vidya was born on January 1st, 1978 in Ottapalam, Palakad District, Kerala to P.R Balan [vice president of ETC Channel] and Saraswathy Balan [house wife]. She attended St. Anthony's High School in Chembur, Mumbai and then went onto studying Sociology at St. Xavier's College. It was while attending University of Mumbai doing her Masters, that Vidya received her first film offer.

Contrary to everyone's belief, the beginning of Vidya's journey into filmdom did not run smooth. The glamorous diva was offered multiple Southern films but due to one reason or another, she ended up being replaced each time. Defeated, she turned to television advertising, most of which were directed by critically acclaimed Pradeep Sarkar. Vidya also appeared in many hit music videos of numerous artists, including the popular Indian rock band, Euphoria, and even starred as Radhika Mathur for a couple of episodes in the comedic show Hum Paanch in 1995. 

It was in 2005 when Vidya finally received her first Bollywood debut through the same Pardeep Sarkar, who took her in as the lead of his film Parineeta opposite Saif Ali Khan. Required to auditions for over six grueling months to gain the coveted role, the price paid off as upon the release of the film, impressed critics lined up to congratulate the actress, unanimously stating that acting was a natural talent for the lady. At the Filmfare Awards for the same film, Vidya was awarded the 'Best Debut [Female'] and nominated in the 'Best Actress' category.

After that, there was no looking back. Despite a few initial box office failures, Vidya's performance never lacked appreciation and she continued to work with top directors, with 2009 seeing a major turning point in her career. Her role in Paa as a lone parent of a child with progeria syndrome raked in her first Filmfare 'Best Actress' award, whilst her role of a manipulative abandoned wife bought in a 'Filmfare Critic Award for Best Actress'. Despite a nomination for best actress in No One Killed Jessica, it was her role in the bopic of Southern siren, Silk Smitha, in The Dirty Picture, that bought in her the most fame, including a National Award.

Among some of her other noted works are: Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Guru, Heyy Babyy, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Halla Bol and Kahaani, her most recent being the latter. The actress will also soon be seen in a lavani item number in the upcoming movie, Ferrari Ki Sawaari.

As for Vidya's love life, she recently announced that she is dating Siddarth Roy Kapur, CEO of UTV Motion Pictures.

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