Vidya Balan is a celebrated Indian actress known for redefining the role of women in Hindi cinema through powerful and pathbreaking performances. Born on January 1, 1979, in Chembur, Mumbai, she initially appeared in the popular TV sitcom Hum Paanch before making her film debut in the Bengali movie Bhalo Theko (2003). She rose to fame with her Bollywood debut Parineeta (2005), and quickly established herself as one of the most versatile and respected actresses in the industry. Vidya is acclaimed for her bold choice of roles in films like The Dirty Picture, Kahaani, Tumhari Sulu, and Sherni, often leading women-centric stories with conviction and depth. A recipient of numerous awards, including a National Film Award and multiple Filmfare Awards, she was honored with the Padma Shri in 2014. Beyond acting, Vidya is known for her advocacy of women’s empowerment, body positivity, and social causes. Her impactful presence on screen and off has earned her a special place in the hearts of audiences and a lasting legacy in Indian cinem
🧬 Biography / Profile
Full Name: Vidya P. Balan
Nickname(s): Vidhi, V
Date of Birth: January 1, 1979
Age (as of 2025): 46 years
Birthplace: Chembur, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Nationality: Indian
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Religion: Hinduism
Languages Known: Hindi, English, Malayalam, Tamil, Bengali
📏 Physical Stats
- Height: 5 ft 4 in (163 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 62 kg (136 lbs)
- Figure Measurements: 36-28-37 inches
- Body Build: Average
- Eye Color: Black
- Hair Color: Black
- Shoe Size: 7.5 (US)
- Dress Size: 10 (US)
👨👩👧 Family
- Father: P. R. Balan (Executive Vice-President of Digicable)
- Mother: Saraswathy Balan (Homemaker)
- Siblings: Priya Balan (Older Sister, works in advertising)
- Cousin: Priyamani (Actress)
🎓 Education
- Schooling: St. Anthony Girls’ High School, Chembur, Mumbai
- College: St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai (Bachelor’s in Sociology)
- Postgraduate: University of Mumbai (Master’s in Sociology)
💼 Career
Years Active: 1995–present
Occupation: Actress
Debut:
- Television: Hum Paanch (1995)
- Film: Bhalo Theko (2003, Bengali)
- Hindi Film: Parineeta (2005)
Notable Works:
- Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006)
- Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007)
- Paa (2009)
- Ishqiya (2010)
- No One Killed Jessica (2011)
- The Dirty Picture (2011)
- Kahaani (2012)
- Tumhari Sulu (2017)
- Shakuntala Devi (2020)
- Sherni (2021)
- Jalsa (2022)
- Do Aur Do Pyaar (2024)
- Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 (2024)
🏆 Awards and Honors
- National Film Award: Best Actress for The Dirty Picture (2011)
- Filmfare Awards: 7 wins, including Best Actress for Paa (2009), The Dirty Picture (2011), Kahaani (2012), and Tumhari Sulu (2017)
- Padma Shri: Awarded by the Government of India in 2014
- Prabha Khaitan Puraskar: For work towards the empowerment of women (2012)
- Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award: For outstanding contribution to Indian Cinema by the Government of Maharashtra (2015)
❤️ Personal Life
- Marital Status: Married
- Spouse: Siddharth Roy Kapur (Film Producer)
- Marriage Date: December 14, 2012
- Children: None
🌐 Social Media & Online Presence
- Instagram: @vidya_balan
- Twitter: @vidya_balan
- Facebook: Vidya Balan
💰 Net Worth
- Estimated Net Worth (2024): Approximately ₹136 crore
- Per Film Charge: ₹2–3 crore, plus a share in profits
- Brand Endorsements: Charges around ₹1 crore per endorsement
- Assets: Owns a luxurious house in Mumbai worth ₹8 crore, gifted a ₹14 crore mansion by her husband, and owns luxury cars including a Mercedes-Benz S550
🌟 30 Facts About Vidya Balan
🎭 Early Life & Education
- Born on January 1, 1979, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
- Belongs to a Tamil Brahmin family.
- Attended St. Anthony Girls’ High School in Chembur.
- Holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai.
- Earned a master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Mumbai.
🎬 Career Beginnings
- Started her career with a sitcom, “Hum Paanch” (1995), as Radhika Mathur.
- Faced numerous rejections in the early years before her big break.
- Was signed for several South Indian films early on, many of which were shelved.
- Acted in several music videos and commercials before entering films.
🌟 Bollywood Success
- Debuted in Bollywood with “Parineeta” (2005), which was a critical success.
- Gained major fame with “Lage Raho Munna Bhai” (2006).
- Known for strong female-led roles in films like “Kahaani”, “The Dirty Picture”, and “Tumhari Sulu”.
- Won a National Film Award for Best Actress for The Dirty Picture (2011).
- Has won six Filmfare Awards and numerous other accolades.
- She is credited with breaking stereotypes around female roles in Bollywood.
💪🏽 Personal Traits & Beliefs
- Known for being vocal about body positivity and self-love.
- A strong advocate for women empowerment in India.
- Practices Hindu spirituality and has faith in various forms of the divine.
- Fluent in multiple languages: Tamil, Hindi, English, Bengali.
- Married Siddharth Roy Kapur, a film producer, in 2012.
👗 Style & Influence
- Famous for her love of traditional Indian sarees.
- Has been the brand ambassador for silk sarees in India.
- Regarded as a fashion icon for embracing Indian ethnic wear.
🎤 Voice & Other Work
- Has done voice-over work, including narrations and radio appearances.
- Starred in short films and streaming projects in addition to theatrical releases.
🏆 Honors & Recognition
- Awarded the Padma Shri in 2014 by the Government of India.
- Became a jury member at the Cannes Film Festival in 2013.
- Recognized among India’s Most Powerful Women by various publications.
- She has a wax statue at Madame Tussauds (Singapore).
🎉 Fun & Unique Facts
- Vidya is known for her contagious laughter and grounded personality, often praised for staying humble despite massive fame.
🎬 Conclusion / Outro: The Timeless Grace of Vidya Balan 🌟
Vidya Balan stands as a trailblazer in Indian cinema — a performer who redefined the role of women on screen with grace, power, and conviction. Known for her bold choices, fearless roles, and incredible range, she has carved out a unique space in Bollywood that goes beyond conventional stardom.
From portraying the resilient Lalita in Parineeta to the fierce Manjulika in Bhool Bhulaiyaa, and the unapologetically bold Vidya Bagchi in Kahaani, she has consistently pushed boundaries and broken stereotypes. Her performances are not just entertaining — they are empowering.
An advocate for body positivity, women’s rights, and authentic storytelling, Vidya has become a symbol of strength and self-acceptance for millions. Her journey is a shining example that talent, substance, and self-belief are the true measures of success.
👉 Vidya Balan is not just an actress — she’s a movement. A storyteller. A changemaker. And a true queen of Indian cinema.
