Vidya Balan was told to lose weight for roles: ‘I was training like crazy, barely eating’

Vidya Balan said in the interview: "People often say, “You’ve lost so much weight.” But that happened after I started loving my body.”

Vidya Balan, who has been part of successful films like Parineeta, Paa, and The Dirty Picture, has always been open about her struggle with weight. While she has appeared body confident in the public eye, she has faced immense pressure to lose weight for film roles.

In her recent interview with a film magazine, the actress shared, “Before Kismat Konnection, someone said, ‘Shahid is younger. You’ll have to lose weight.’” The pressure to shed extra kilos accompanied every film until 2019. It took a toll on Vidya, who revealed going through a phase where she “was training like crazy, barely eating.”

Over time, Vidya learned to stop paying heed to such remarks and give a befitting reply to crude statements, saying, “If you want someone else’s body type, cast them. If you want me, take me as I am.”

Also read | Vidya Balan on body positivity: 'People have told me to lose weight, but I don’t think anything’s wrong with me'

Today, she feels gratitude and love for the body she has, for keeping her steady and going for 46 years. She said, “Despite the criticism, it’s been kind. Today, I love it unconditionally. People often say, “You’ve lost so much weight.” But that happened after I started loving my body.”

She added, “Earlier, I’d punish it, harsh diets, over-exercising, no sleep, constant negativity. Things got worse before they got better. The first time I truly felt self-love was after Siddharth entered my life. When you love yourself, the world mirrors it back.”

It isn’t the first time that Vidya has spoken about her weight loss journey and the struggles that came with it. The actress realised there were certain foods that had to be eliminated from her vegetarian diet, as they were causing inflammation. It has made a huge difference and helped her lose weight easily.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.