Vidya Balan describes feeling bullied over 'Heyy Babyy' costumes at awards

Vidya Balan expressed that being singled out for her costumes in Heyy Babyy during Filmfare awards night felt like bullying to her.

During her appearance on the Unfiltered with Samdish podcast, the 45-year-old noted that although she has thrived in the film industry despite nepotism, she early on understood why certain individuals are shielded.

The Hamari Adhuri Kahani actress shared, “When they told me they're going to give me the Na-Real award, I said, ‘Why me? My clothes are not just my choice, right?’ At that time, I was too new to have an opinion on anything."

"So they said, ‘No, we’re just doing this fun segment so we're going to give you this award.' So I said, ‘Fine, but I’m going to share it with the costume designer and the director, and they said, ‘No, you mustn’t do that.' And that, I think, is not nice."

Vidya also shared that she initially prepared to take the criticism in good spirit until she arrived at the venue and realized she was the only one being targeted during the segment, as another actor had backed out. 

She recalls it her as her first major tryst with nepotism. 

Reflecting on this, the Kahaani star said, “At that night, I was shattered. I was shattered because I was very alone. I realised that yes, it does make a difference when you don't come from a film family. Because no one outside you is looking out for you." 

"It felt like bullying to me. It was, it undoubtedly was. Just because I don't come with a certain shield, you can't… I thought it was a joke so it was okay. But when I realised I was the only one being made fun of, it wasn't funny anymore," Vidya added.