Vidya Balan on Rejection, Failures & Why Stardom Isn’t Everything

Jul 13, 2025

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In a candid conversation, Vidya Balan reflects on her 20-year journey in the film industry, sharing her struggles with rejection and self-doubt, the importance of family support, and her healing journey. She discusses the significance of self-acceptance, the challenges of fame, and the necessity of personal growth. Balan emphasizes that happiness is a choice and highlights the value of believing in oneself and adapting to different circumstances.

👇Highlights

🎬 20 Years in Film: Vidya celebrates her two-decade career in cinema, acknowledging both the successes and the struggles that shaped her journey.

💔 Struggles with Rejection: She shares her experiences with being replaced in multiple films due to perceived bad luck, which led to emotional turmoil and self-doubt.

🙏 Family Support: Balan credits her family, especially her sister, for providing unwavering support and encouragement during tough times in her career.

🌱 Healing Journey: She discusses her work with a healer who has helped her rewire her thoughts and cope with challenges, emphasizing that healing is a lifelong process.

💖 Self-Acceptance: Vidya stresses the importance of being true to oneself and not conforming to external expectations, learning to embrace her identity as an actress.

⏳ Patience and Persistence: She highlights the need for patience in the face of adversity and the importance of showing up every day with hope.

🌟 Happiness as a Choice: Balan concludes that happiness is a state of mind and a choice one makes, advocating for self-awareness and personal growth.

👇Timestamps

Introduction - 00:00

Healing Journey - 00:28

Celebrating 20 Years in Bollywood - 02:11

Early Career Challenges - 03:07

The Role of Family Support - 04:20

The Jinxed Reputation - 08:44

The Power of Persistence - 11:34

Finding a Mentor - 13:54

Embracing Change - 25:00