Vidya Balan - a humanist, not an activist

 Vidya Balan - a humanist, not an activist
Monday, July 15, 2013 12:40 IST
By Santa Banta News Network
Actress Vidya Balan considers veteran actor Shabana Azmi as her "strongest inspiration" but herself prefers to be dubbed as a humanist rather than an activist

Besides her repertoire of several award-winning films like "Parineeta", "Paa" and "No One Killed Jessica", Vidya's humanitarian efforts are well-known.

The National Award winner has been instrumental in campaigning for child nutrition and education and women's empowerment. She has been appointed by the Indian government as the brand ambassador in the drive to improve sanitary conditions in the country.

"My work is an extension of my beliefs. I don't think I am an activist at all. I am an actor first and I try using that to leverage attention to some of the causes I am associated with. I think I am a humanist, " said Vidya.

"I try to focus on my acting, so that I can leverage attention to the causes, " added the actress.

Inspiration for many, Viday is inspired by activist-actress Shabana Azmi.

"Shabana Azmi has been one of my strongest inspirations. I was truly awestruck by Shabana Azmi's performance in 'Arth'. I still am, " said Viday during a fund-raiser by the Bengal Chamber for the Indian Institute of Cerebral Palsy here Saturday.

"I like walking in other people's shoes. I tend to empathise with people, so I always wonder what a certain person might do in a certain situation, " said the actor while adding that as a youngster she was won over by Madhuri Dixit Nene's dance number "Ek Do Teen".
Ramayana: Part 1 Wraps Up Filming - Ranbir Kapoor Calls It His Most Important Role!

The much-awaited mythological epic Ramayana: Part 1, helmed by acclaimed director Nitesh Tiwari, has

Tuesday, July 01, 2025
Sara Ali Khan and Aditya Roy Kapur Take Mumbai Metro Ride to Promote Metro In Dino!

In a refreshing break from the usual film promotion routine, Bollywood actors Sara Ali Khan and Aditya Roy

Tuesday, July 01, 2025
Vaani Kapoor's Thrilling OTT Debut 'Mandala Murders' to Premiere on Netflix!

Netflix and Yash Raj Films (YRF) are set to release their highly anticipated crime thriller series, Mandala

Tuesday, July 01, 2025
'Four More Shots Please!' Season 4: Prime Video Confirms Final Season of the Hit Series!

Prime Video has officially announced the fourth and final season of its popular series Four More Shots

Tuesday, July 01, 2025
Tanvi The Great Trailer Receives Rave Reviews from Shah Rukh Khan and Anil Kapoor Ahead of Its Release!

The trailer for Tanvi The Great, the much-anticipated directorial project from veteran actor Anupam Kher, has

Tuesday, July 01, 2025