Actress Vidya Balan, who now makes graceful fashion statements in Indian designer suits and saris, admits she was making a "conscious effort" to be a certain way in her looks. However, that was taking her away from her real self.

"I think I was making a conscious effort about five to six years ago, and this conscious effort was making me unconscious of who I was," the 34-year-old said here. The actress responded to a question to whether she is now making a conscious effort to flaunt an Indian image.

Vidya made her debut with the role of a simple, Bengali girl in "Parineeta" and she later turned to a glamourised image in films like "Heyy Babyy" and "Kismat Konnection."

In recent times, she has been seen and appreciated in films like "The Dirty Picture", "No One Killed Jessica" and "Kahaani". She even featured in a mature role in "Paa", and essayed a rustic look in "Ishqiya".

She says she is glad that she went back to her original self.


"I love Hindi and regional cinema. I have watched a lot of Malayalam and Bengali films. I have grown up on Indian classical music, there is a culture of Carnatic music at home. Besides, I am exposed to Hindustani music and old film music.

"So I am very attached to those things. That's just part of me. I love Indian customs, culture, clothing and everything. Why shy away from it? There is so much variety," added the actress.

However, much as she is fond of variety, Vidya is once again ready to experiment with her look. She will flaunt a loud and colourful avatar in her forthcoming film "Ghanchakkar".