After playing a single mother to 67-year-old Amitabh Bachchan in 'Paa', Vidya Balan is set to scorch the big screen as the scheming seductress in Vishal Bhardwaj's 'Ishqiya' which the actress believes is the most challenging role of her career.
Vidya will be seen with actors Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi in the film. Directed by debutant Abhishek Chaubhey, 'Ishqiya' is eyeing a January 29 release.
With her character of a scheming seductress igniting quite some heat within the industry circles way before the release, she must indeed be happy that the entire perception about her 'holier than thou' persona goes for a six in Bharadwaj production?
"I think I have been fortunate enough to have worked on the kind of films which have quenched my thirst as an actor. 'Ishqiya' too is one such film which has given me new challenges," Vidya told PTI in an interview.
With the an author backed role for her in 'Ishqiya', Vidya hopes to scale new heights in her acting career.
"Every day is a new day and God has been really kind to me all these years. I really hope that 'Ishqiya' works as well so that I can continue to make good decisions," she says. Vidya, who is riding high on the success of 'Paa', says the role has not just challenged her as an actor but also helped her to stick to what she feels is right.
"The nicest part about the success of 'Paa' is that it has given me courage to stick to my conviction," Vidya says.
"At least I am able to do that I truly believe in. Whether it is 'Paa' or any of my last few films, the fact is that all these decisions have paid off," she adds.
The actress was all praise for her co-star Abhishek Bachchan in 'Paa'. "It is very nice to be working with such actors because your guards are always down," says Vidya who has earlier shared screen space with Abhishek in 'Guru'.
"Believe me when I say this in Abhishek we have just seen the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more to be explored," Vidya says.
Other than 'Paa', her last few films like 'Kismat Konnection', 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa' and 'Heyy Babyy' fared well at the box office barring the failure of 'Halla Bol'.
"Yes, a couple of my films didn't work, whether it was 'Halla Bol' or 'Salaam E Ishq', but then this is how life is," says Vidya sans any hint of disappointment. "I don't regret working in these films because it's important that you go through those ups and downs," says Vidya. PTI
