Vidya Balan's journey in Bollywood has been marked by bold choices and standout performances. One such pivotal moment came with her role in Priyadarshan’s 2007 hit movie, Bhool Bhulaiyaa. Recalling her first meeting with the director and the instant acceptance of the role, Vidya shared insights into her experience and the influence of the original Malayalam film, Manichitrathazhu.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Vidya Balan (@balanvidya)

In an interview with PTI, Vidya reminisced about her meeting with Priyadarshan, which coincided with his ad shoot with Sunny Deol in Mumbai. Despite not having read the script, Vidya's familiarity with the original film and her admiration for Shobana's portrayal of Manjulika made her decision swift. "I loved Shobana but I was also scared of her," Vidya admitted, reflecting on her childhood memories of watching Manichitrathazhu.

The actress confessed to saying 'yes' to the role instantly, without the need for a script, owing to her deep appreciation for the original film. "There was no script or anything because I had seen the original. It was probably the shortest meeting I had for a film, and that was the shortest time I took to say yes to a film because I loved the original," she revealed.

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Vidya also praised Priyadarshan's directorial finesse, highlighting the collaborative and stress-free atmosphere on set. "When I think back, I'm like, 'We didn't even realize how we did it.' But again, no one was taking themselves seriously. I think that's Priyan's direction for you," she acknowledged.

The success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa not only solidified Vidya's standing in the industry but also marked a significant turning point in her career. The film's box office triumph underscored Vidya's versatility as an actress, showcasing her ability to excel in diverse roles.