Vidya Balan Calls Criticism For Heyy Babyy A 'Witch-Hunt', Recalls Filmfare Awards Night: 'I Was Shattered Because Felt Alone'

Despite her stellar debut with 'Parineeta', Vidya Balan faced harsh criticism for 'Heyy Babyy' and 'Kismat Konnection'. The actor feels the criticism was uncalled for and a 'witch-hunt'. 

Vidya Balan's film 'Do Aur Do Pyaar', also starring Pratik Gandhi, Ileana D'Cruz, Sendhil Ramamurthy, is currently running in theatres.

Vidya Balan, whose film 'Do Aur Do Pyaar' is currently running in theatres, is considered one of the most talented actors in the Indian film industry and has always been praised for her work but that has not always been the case. Despite her stellar debut with the critically acclaimed 'Parineeta', Vidya faced harsh criticism for certain films like 'Heyy Babyy' and 'Kismat Konnection'. The actor feels the criticism she faced for these films was uncalled for and a 'witch-hunt'. 

Vidya Balan calls the criticism she faced initially a 'witch-hunt'
During her interview with Unfiltered By Samdish, Vidya Balan was asked about the film that she hates, to which she candidly admitted, "I have not watched Heyy Babyy more than once, I didn’t have the guts to watch it. I watched it before release, I didn’t watch it after it. The reception for the film was terrible.”

When asked if the criticism was justified, Vidya said, “No, I think it was a witch-hunt because I have seen some stuff.” 

When probed if the industry has been unfair to her because she was too good, the actress shared her perspective, “I do think a few people were threatened, I don’t know whether I was too good or they weren’t good enough. I am an old hand here now so I know how it happened. I am so grateful because if not for that phase, I wouldn’t have come into my own. I wouldn’t have said fu**k you I am here to stay and no one can take that away from me.”

Reflecting on the period the actress said, “When such things happen you reconnect with your passion, your purpose, your dream, you’re like kisi k baap ki industry nahi hai. Everyone has a right to be here."

Vidya Balan on nepotism
On the much-talked issue of nepotism, the actress said “I don’t want to get into the nepotism debate because I think whether or not there is nepotism, I have come this far. It has not altered my life in any way. Because I found my way, I created my path, that path is mine.” 

Vidya Balan recalls bullying from the industry

Recounting an uncomfortable moment at the Filmfare Awards after 'Heyy Babyy's release, Vidya shared how she was given Na-Real Awards (Filmfare Award's parody segment) for her costume in the film. 

Recalling the experience Vidya shared, "When they told me that I was given the Na-Real Awards for costume in the film, I asked why me? Because my clothes are not just my choice. I was too new to have an opinion on anything. When they said we are just doing the fun segment, I said fine I will go and share it with the costume designer and the director and I was actually told 'No you mustn't do that' and I felt that was not right."

Elaborating further the actress said, "I am a sport, you give me a fun award for my clothes, I am game for it but when I reached the award function I realised what it was. Another actress was also mentioned to me that she is also getting it but her name was cancelled last minute because she refused. So, I was like I am not gonna end up looking like a fool. I then asked them to give the award to all three of us, the director, the costume designer, and me. They refused. I said ok I will go and mention it, they said no but I still went and mentioned it. I got into trouble for that, and later there were reactions within the fraternity. That night I was shattered because I just felt very alone. I realised that it makes a difference when you come from a film family because no one is looking out for you."

When asked if she felt it was bullying, the actor said, "Undoubtedly it was bullying."

Watch the awards video here:

It is to be noted that 'Heyy Babyy' was directed by Sajid Khan and Manish Malhotra was the costume designer.

The Na-Real Awards was a segment under the Filmfare Awards where the worst films of the year were acknowledged under various categories, similar to Hollywood's Golden Raspberry Awards.