'Instinctive actor' Vidya says 'was nervous working with Mahesh Bhatt'

Bollywood actress Vidya Balan will portray an emotionally-wretched wife in her forthcoming film 'Hamari Adhuri Kahani'. This character choice does not seem unusual, when taking note of her previous works such as films like Kahaani and Parineeta.

The actress is rather nervous this time, as she is working with Mahesh Bhatt, the man whose work she admires the most.

Talking about her preparation for the role, Vidya says, "Mohit Suri, the director, wanted his actors to be spontaneous on the set. We used to come to our sets, chat about the film and shoot the scene. It was that spontaneous."

"I spent time with a florist to learn basic flower arrangements, how to water the plants and how to cut stems," she adds.

Vidya reveals that the entire cast, including Emraan and Rajkumar Rao, were nervous while shooting.

"A film written by Mahesh Bhatt is a rarity. I wanted to work with him since I saw Arth during my college days. The fact that I was acting to a script written by him, created more pressure," says Vidya.

When asked as to why she chose to become an actor, she quips, "I am able to express myself best when I am playing someone else. That's the reason I decided to be an actor."

Vidya adds that the best thing about being an actor is that people within her find a voice.

However, as for the negatives, she feels that whatever you go through is public.

"Other than that, there is no problem in being an actor," says the actress, who is a big fan of Gulzar.

Vidya, who loves Mahesh Bhatt's work, feels privileged to be working with him.

Also, she feels that she is an instinctive actor, who learnt her craft on the job.

The actress advises the newcomers to be comfortable and try new things to be successful in the industry.

"Being comfortable with yourself is the pre-requisite to be a good actor. One has to be shameless when it comes to self-expression. To be a good actor, one has to be open to life. Watch movies, listen to

music and try new things," advises Vidya to aspiring actors.

She elaborates, saying that certain things, certain stories may seem improbable to you, but that could be true for someone else's life.

"That possibility to believe in the impossible is what helps one open up," she says.

In real life, Vidya says she is intense.

"Whether I love, laugh or do anything else, I am an intense person," she says.

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