Vidya Balan is one of the most talked about names in Bollywood today. In conversation with TWF correspondent Vickey Lalwani, she outlines her forthcoming films and more...

Q: 'Parineeta' has changed your life?
A: Dada (Pradeep Sarkar) was very sure he wanted only me for the role. His confidence and faith in me really boosted my energy levels. It helps when someone stands and backs you. I had done , still one needs inspiration from the right quarters. nearly 80 ads by the time I came to an acting career

He was sure no one else could play Lolita. I think people who debut at an early age have had to wait a few years to get that kind of a role. In that way, I am lucky. Touch wood.

Q: So, you came into 'Parineeta' without auditions?
A: No. Dada is a thorough professional. I had to undergo several auditions before I was finalised. That did my ego a lot of good.

Q: You are doing the sequel to Munnabhai MBBS?
A: It's not a sequel per se. I play Sanjay Dutt's love interest in Munnabhai Meets Mahatma. The characters Munna and Circuit are there in this movie also, but it is not a sequel to Munnabhai MBBS I repeat.

One of the great things about the film is that everyone sees it as a fresh film, including Rajkumar Hirani. It may be titled Munnabhai Meets Mahatma or Munnabhal Lage Raho.

Q: Have you seen Munnabhai MBBS, the original?
A: I loved Munnabhai MBBS. There was not a single unwanted moment in the film. Picture ho to aisi! (A film should be like that)

Q: Then you have Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 'Eklavya'?
A: Therein, I play Saif Ali Khan's romantic interest.

Q: Aren't 'Eklavya' and 'Parineeta' roles quite similar?
A: To an extent, yes. The similarity between the character I play in this movie and the one I played in Parineeta is that both are very Indian. Plus like in Parineeta, I don't have the typical song and dance routine here.

Q: But aren't you looking for the usual song and dance stuff?
A: Of course I am. So, I have signed Nikhil Advani's 'Salam-e-Ishq' where I am cast opposite John Abraham. It is an urban love story, which revolves around the love stories of six couples. John and I play one of them. But...

Q: Please go on...
A: If people have liked me in 'Parineeta' it's because I'm projected as typically Indian. I won't try to shrug off that image just to be like the other girls. I'm aware that I'm perceived as demure and dignified after 'Parineeta'. And that's an image I'm happy with. I'm not here to be a teenybopper heroine. I'm looking for roles of substance.

Q: Who is your protective system?.
A: Sometimes I feel I've two sets of parents. My sister and brother-in-law are more particular about how I go about my life than even my parents. It feels good to lead a sheltered life. Out here in showbiz everyone needs a support system

Q: Who is your idol?
A: I loved Madhuri Dixit in 'Devdas'. I'm a huge fan of hers. If I can conduct my career with half her dignity and grace I'd have achieved more than what I had thought.

Q: You recently went to Pakistan?
A: Yes. I went to Karachi for the launch of the Urdu version of a children's book called Mo's Star. It has been written by London-based international lawyer Mahnaz Malik. The proceeds of the book sale will go towards educating the needy and poor children in Pakistan.

Q: You have also signed a Deepa Mehta film?
A: I am not supposed to talk much about it. But yes, I am doing that one. It's a comic caper.