Makeup, hair, clothes an actor's vital tools: Vidya Balan (Interview)

Vidya Balan is often praised for her acting skills and is not one to fear experimenting with her looks. She says the right combination of makeup, hair, clothes and body language is very important for an actor.

"Makeup, hair, clothes, body language, accessories and accent are the important tools of an actor. If you're able to create a different person using all these tools, then that's the joy. I'm glad I'm getting the opportunities to play different people on-screen, and I want to make the most of it," Vidya told IANS in an interview.

If in "Kahaani", Vidya sported a faux baby bump, she flaunted a geeky and simple kurta-clad look in "No One Killed Jessica". In "The Dirty Picture" blockbuster, the actress didn't shy away from cleavage-baring blouses and several sensuous outfits; neither did she care about critics when she stepped into bold and bright colours with polka dots, floral prints on kurtas and short maxi dresses, teamed with big headbands, for her latest release "Ghanchakkar".

"I love getting into new looks every time. It's always enjoyable," said the 35-year-old.

Vidya also doesn't mind stepping out in her movies' looks during the promotions. She says it only helps the film.

"During promotions, if you get into that specific look, it's so much fun! It's so boring to wear casual outfits (for events). Also, we start promoting the film at least one month before its release. People see the trailers, and when you appear in front of them in that particular look, it derives a connect with the character or film," she explained.

In recent years, Vidya has come out with flying colours with hits like "Paa" and "Ishqiya" and won due recognition for her work. But, initially, she braved criticism for her roles and costumes in various movies and public appearances.

"It hurts," admited Vidya. But she believes in taking it all in stride.

"Yes I was disappointed. It hurts at that point of time. But it's always better to move on and learn from it. There was a lot written in the media, but you can't blame one person because you don't know who has criticised you and who has praised you. It doesn't matter to me any more," she added.

After "Ghanchakkar", Vidya will next be seen in romantic-comedy "Shaadi Ke Side Effects", where she is paired with Farhan Akhtar.

On a lighter note, when asked about the real life "shaadi ke side effects" on her, Vidya, who is married to Siddharth Roy Kapur, smiled, winked and said: "Oh! I am still in my honeymoon period."

"I'm enjoying living with Siddharth, but, yes, I have to take care of the house also. Like sometimes, my cook calls and asks about the food or my maid calls and asks for an off. I was not used to all this earlier. But, yes, life has changed and I'm enjoying the process of discovering myself and my partner," she said.

So far, she says, she has been able to strike a balance between her personal and professional life well.

(Ritika Kapoor can be contacted at ritika.k@ians.in)