Date of Birth:: 1 January 1978, Palghat, Kerala, India
Biography:: Born in a higher class Balan family Vidya had interest in acting. She studied at St. Anthony’s Convent School, Mumbai and obtained degree in Sociology at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai. She holds Master’s degree in Sociology from Bombay University. During her college time, she used to perform in Prithvi Theater’s workshops. She was signed as leading lady in a Malayalam film ‘Chakram’ opposite Mohanlal but the film was shelved. Later she was seen in Surf Excel commercial. During those days she did TV serials like Hum Panch as well she appeared in music albums of Pankaj Udhas, Euphoria and Subha Mudgal. She debuted in Hindi film industry with Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s film Parineeta alongside Sanjay Dutt, Saif Ali Khan and Raima Sen. Film went successful and Vidya Balan established herself as a promising actress which she proved later too. She was praised for her roles in Parineeta, Lage Raho Munnabhai, Guru, Heyy Babyy, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Kismat Konnection, Paa, Ishqiya, No One Killed Jessica, The Dirty Picture and Kahaani.
