When we learnt that Vidya Balan is going to be MW’s June cover star, we were bubbling with questions. After all, how often do you get to interact with a star as unabashed as her these days? Sherni is her latest outing on Amazon Prime Video, an Amit Masurkar film that has been shot in the jungle, and focuses on the man-animal conflict. As we researched, we went down a rabbit hole of her achievements, since her career has clearly been all about changing typical narratives in so many ways. Not that we needed to check her filmography to establish that everything Balan has done is downright impressive.
When Balan donned the gorgeous Bengali avatar for Parineeta after her geeky Radhika in Hum Paanch and the many commercials she did, we all sat up, and took notice. Her Manjulika from Bhool Bhulaiyaa couldn’t have been as impactful if it wasn’t for Balan. She changed the mould the world had assumed for her by doing the most bold role of her career in The Dirty Picture, and Kahaani onwards, she has carried her films on her shoulders, and delivered hits like Tumhari Sulu, and Shakuntala Devi.
Not just films, as an actor and as a person who many people look up to, she has been unapologetically herself. Be it body shaming, her relationships, her equations with other co-stars or even the issues that concern the industry, Balan has always spoken her heart out. She knows what she deserves, and has never settled for anything less than that. When people telling her how she should dress annoyed her, she damn well made sure they knew it. She is a powerhouse, and you feel that energy when you talk to her, or see her on screen. She has made her own path — one that many can follow — and told stories that she knew will resonate with her audience, and well, that is what, amongst many things, makes her Vidya Balan.
What about Sherni made you say yes?
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Most Expensive Made-In-India Cars
From Mercedes limousines to variants of the flagship Land Rover, a surprising number of luxury flagship models are now locally assembled or produced in India
Making Noise In Quiet
Manik Handa of Eudaemon explains what it truly takes to define quiet luxury in India’s crowded retail market
Luggage Travails of a Frequent Flyer
Luxury and semi-luxury luggage are the new fashion frontier amongst the Indian jet set. Our writer though recommends extreme caution, unless you are the kind who can afford to fly in private jets
Ruling The Street
Either through imitation or rejection, streetwear continues to dominate the wardrobe of young India. We talk to those who follow the scene closely to understand its rise in status
Street Cred
Royal Enfield’s Guerrilla 450 is a thoroughly fun and exciting motorcycle—it is not that the Himalayan has just tidied up for a visit to the city
Now Serving.Indigenous India
India's culinary scene is buzzing with a quiet revolution, fueled by a vibrant comeback of hyperlocal ingredients. This movement isn't just about digging up fresh, local produce from across the nation—it's about rediscovering the deep, rich tapestry of India's diverse culinary heritage
CHAITANYA AKKINENI OF OLD LOVES AND NEW
The Akkineni-Daggubati family scion is starting a new phase, and life is looking more exciting than ever
Independence Movement
As we step into India's 77th year of Independence, we're shining the spotlight on four stunning timepieces, all designed from within the nation's borders
Precision in Motion
How Alain Zobrist and Omega Time the Olympics
The New Frontier
While India witnesses a massive growth in the number of global skincare brands entering the market, an increasing number of homegrown brands takeover the space and trust among consumers