As Vidya Balan gears up to reprise her iconic role as Manjulika in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, she recently opened up about a disappointing memory linked to her performance in the 2007 hit Bhool Bhulaiyaa. Despite delivering a powerful portrayal that captivated audiences, Balan did not receive any major award for her role—a reality that her family, especially her father, found tough to accept.
In an interview with Galatta India, Vidya shared her father’s reaction to the snub and discussed how she handled the situation with a positive mindset.
Why Bhool Bhulaiyaa Was a Landmark Role for Vidya Balan
Bhool Bhulaiyaa was a milestone in Vidya Balan’s career. Her chilling portrayal of Manjulika, a haunted woman with a mysterious past, brought a new layer to horror-comedy in Bollywood. The film, directed by Priyadarshan and starring Akshay Kumar, was not only a box-office success but also earned Balan widespread acclaim. Fans and critics alike praised her emotional depth and intensity, which left a lasting impression.
Despite the praise, Vidya wasn’t nominated for any major awards for Bhool Bhulaiyaa. According to her, the industry saw the film as a remake of the Malayalam classic Manichitrathazhu, leading some to believe her performance didn’t qualify for award consideration. While she took this setback in stride, her father was deeply disappointed.
Vidya Balan on Her Father’s Reaction to the Award Snub
Vidya explained how her father felt “very bad” when she didn’t receive an award for her role in Bhool Bhulaiyaa. Vidya recalled that her father kept insisting that she deserved recognition for her work, which touched many hearts. In her words, “He used to say, ‘What a great performance it was, an award should have been given.’”
However, Vidya saw the situation differently. She explained to her father that awards often depend on comparative performances, and that perhaps another actor’s work was more favored by the industry at the time. She assured her father that these things happen and moved on, choosing to focus on her work rather than awards.
A Comeback That Earned Awards
Though she missed out on awards for Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Vidya’s persistence paid off in the following years. Starting in 2010, Vidya went on to win Best Actress awards for four consecutive years for her powerful performances in films like Paa (2010), Ishqiya (2011), The Dirty Picture (2012), and Kahaani (2013). These roles cemented her status as one of Bollywood’s most talented actresses, earning her not only awards but also a dedicated fan base.
Vidya expressed gratitude for her career journey, saying, “I feel that I am very lucky. I have always focused on my work and not on the results. I received so many awards which I had not even imagined.” Her balanced perspective on fame and success has helped her maintain a strong position in the industry.
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3: Vidya Balan Returns as Manjulika
After nearly two decades, Vidya is set to return as Manjulika in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, slated for a Diwali release on November 1, 2024. The film will feature Kartik Aryan in the lead role, with Trupti Dimri, Rajpal Yadav, Sanjay Mishra, Vijay Raaz, and Madhuri Dixit in important roles.
As Vidya steps back into one of her most celebrated characters, fans are excited to see her bring Manjulika’s haunting persona to life once again. The anticipation surrounding Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 suggests that this Diwali will be a memorable one for audiences and Vidya’s fans alike.
