'Get a surgery done': This big Bollywood director told Vidya Balan to change her nose before debut

Vidya Balan may be celebrated today as one of Indian cinema’s most acclaimed actresses, but her path to recognition was far from easy. Long before the critical success of Parineeta (2005), Balan faced numerous rejections, cultural pressures, and personal challenges that tested her resilience.

She began her film career with hopes pinned on a Malayalam film titled Chakram, where she was cast opposite superstar Mohanlal. However, the project was shelved shortly after production began, causing her to lose several other opportunities in the Malayalam industry. Even the one film she completed, Kalari Vikraman, never saw a release, leaving her deeply discouraged. Her attempts to break into Tamil cinema also failed, compounding her early setbacks.

Pressure to Conform and Alter Identity
Balan has spoken openly about the identity-related compromises she was urged to make during this period. In a conversation with Filmfare, she recalled being told to drop her surname ‘Balan’ in favor of her community name, becoming "Vidya Iyer" — a suggestion meant to align her with regional naming conventions. Though she briefly agreed, the experience left her emotionally distressed. Her parents reminded her of her roots, and when the project ultimately fell through, it reaffirmed her belief in staying true to herself.

Despite these struggles, Vidya eventually made her acting debut in the Bengali film Bhalo Theko (2003). Her breakthrough came with Parineeta, directed by Pradeep Sarkar and produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. However, even this major opportunity came with conditions. Balan revealed that Chopra had suggested she undergo nose surgery before the film, claiming her nose was “too long.” She firmly declined the suggestion, maintaining that she had never altered her face and believed in keeping her natural appearance.

Fame Brings New Challenges
While Parineeta proved to be a turning point — earning her critical acclaim and the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut — her professional journey post-debut wasn’t devoid of challenges. Vidya recalled that after the film’s success, she was frequently asked to reinvent her appearance in photoshoots. She was often told to look “younger and sexier,” even before directors had fully explored her acting potential. Though initially open to change, she admitted that the constant focus on image eventually became frustrating.

Vidya Balan’s performance in Parineeta, where she portrayed the strong yet gentle Lalita, was widely praised for its emotional depth and quiet intensity. The film, set in 1960s Kolkata, explored themes of love, class, and tradition, and Balan’s chemistry with co-star Saif Ali Khan brought added depth to the story. Her performance marked a departure from the typical debutante, signaling the arrival of a serious talent.

Over the years, Balan has built a career defined by unconventional choices and powerful performances, including her National Award-winning role in The Dirty Picture (2011). Most recently, she appeared in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 (2024).