"Begum Jaan our labour of love : Vidya Balan

Actress Vidya Balan was today presented an award by a Hindi daily on the occasion of the International Women's Day.
Speaking on the occasion coinciding with the first poster launch of her upcoming Hindi movie "Begum Jaan" directed by Srijit Mukherjee, the actress said that the movie was a "labour of love".
Talking to the media about Begum Jaan, she said," Only Kolkata can be the womb for such a film which resonates with Srijit Mukherjee brand of film-making. I have always appreciated the works of directors from Kolkata and the city is my second home," Vidya said.
"Every time I visit the ciy I make it a point to offer obeisance to the deity in Kalighat," she said adding "Kolkata has always offered me the best of opportunities," she said recalling her previous projects in which the city plays an integral part.

Producer of Begum Jaan Mahesh Bhatt and director Srijit Mukherjee were present on the occasion.
Srijit Mukherjee agreed to Vidya's remark that Begum Jaan, a woman-centric film, could not have its poster launch anywhere but Kolkata.

"I originated from the womb of this city. My first Bengali film 'Autograph' was born out of the womb of this city and how could Begum Jaan be different?" he wondered.
"This is also because this city takes care of its women and gives them the due pride of place. And we can mark the city as the first one to celebrate a woman-centric film," he said.

Vidya was presented the Special "Aparajita 17" award on the occasion of the International Women's Day by a city-based Hindi daily.