At the third edition of Bollywood Hungama Style Icons Summit and Awards 2025 (BH Style Icons S3), audiences were treated to a heartfelt and humorous masterclass by none other than Vidya Balan, who looked back on her 20-year journey in Indian cinema with grace, wisdom, and a dash of nostalgia.
Bollywood Hungama Style Icons Summit and Awards 2025: Vidya Balan recalls rejecting film opposite Akshaye Khanna, says he later “fired” her on Salaam-e-Ishq sets; Adds, “I ran to John Abraham and said, ‘Please save me!’”
In a candid moment during the panel titled “MASTERCLASS – The 20 Glorious Years of ‘Shero’ Vidya Balan!”, the powerhouse performer opened up about how her relationship with her craft—and with herself—has evolved over the years. “I’m comfortable with who I am, and what’s not changed is that hunger for the next role,” she said, her voice brimming with quiet passion. “There’s always excitement for what’s next. I give my all to whatever I do—but yes, I’ve changed in many ways. I now find it much easier to say no.”
Sharing a light-hearted yet telling anecdote from her early days, Vidya recalled an awkward moment involving actor Akshaye Khanna. “There was a film offered to me opposite Akshaye, and I didn’t quite connect with the script. But I was too scared to say it directly. So I asked my manager to convey it. Later, on the sets of Salaam-e-Ishq, Akshaye fired me,” she laughed. “I actually ran to John [Abraham] and said, ‘Please save me!’ because I was so new and didn’t want confrontation or to hurt anyone’s feelings. But eventually, I realised he was just pulling my leg.”
The Style Icons Summit and Awards 2025 presented by Virgio, driven by TVS Raider, powered by Nesterra, along with premium lingerie partner Amante, jewellery partner Caratlane, smile partner toothsi, style partner Biba, watches partner Helios, kitchen partner Prestige, beauty partner Mars, skincare partner Fixderma, snacking partner Happilo, footwear partner Red Chief, radio partner Radio City, glam partner Looks Salon, and gifting partner FnP.
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