Vidya Balan – Life Before Bollywood, Popular Movies & Biography
Vidya Balan was born in Mumbai, Maharashtra, and hails from a middle-class Tamil family. Academically bright and creatively inclined, her journey to cinema was marked by repeated rejections, patience, and perseverance — qualities that later became central to her on-screen characters.
Born on 1 January 1979, Vidya Balan is 46 years old. She studied at St. Anthony Girls’ High School, Mumbai, pursued her bachelor’s degree at St. Xavier’s College, and later completed her master’s degree from the University of Mumbai. Before films, she appeared in music albums such as “Tum Bin” and “Kabhi Aana Tu Meri Gali”, along with television commercials and print advertisements.
Her early acting work included the television show Hum Paanch (1995). Vidya made her film debut in Bengali cinema with Bhalo Theko (2003), followed by her Bollywood debut Parineeta (2005), which earned her critical acclaim and multiple awards. Since then, she has showcased remarkable versatility in films like The Dirty Picture, Kahaani, Tumhari Sulu, and Sherni.
Inside Box Office brings you films, facts, awards, and box-office milestones.
Highest-Rated Vidya Balan Film
Kahaani (2012) – IBO Rating: 4/5
A game-changing thriller, Kahaani marked the peak of Vidya Balan’s career. Her fearless and nuanced performance turned a woman-led mystery into a modern Bollywood classic.
Vidya Balan’s Upcoming Movies
Get ready to see Vidya Balan in strong, performance-driven roles in the following projects.
Note: These films are subject to official confirmation.
- Raja Shivaji
Director: Ritesh Deshmukh
Genre: Historical • Biographical • Action Drama - Jailer 2
Director: Nelson Dilipkumar
Genre: Action • Thriller
Vidya Balan – Most Popular Movies
Talking about Vidya Balan movies in 2025, there are no new theatrical releases announced so far. Below are her most popular and career-defining films:
Sherni
Mission Mangal
Tumhari Sulu
Te3n
Kahaani 2
Hamari Adhuri Kahani
Kahaani
The Dirty Picture
No One Killed Jessica
Ishqiya
Paa
Bhool Bhulaiyaa
Guru
Lage Raho Munna Bhai
Parineeta
Vidya Balan – Famous Quotes
- “Confidence is the best thing you can wear.”
- “I believe in stories that have a soul.”
- “Women don’t need to fit a mould to succeed.”
- “Cinema should reflect reality, not stereotypes.”
- “Power lies in being unapologetically yourself.”
Vidya Balan – Awards & Achievements
- National Film Award – Best Actress (The Dirty Picture, 2011)
- Padma Shri – 2014
- 6 Filmfare Awards including Best Actress and Best Female Debut
- Screen Awards and Stardust Awards – Best Actress
- IIFA Awards – Multiple nominations and wins
- Asian Film Award – Best Actress nomination
Vidya Balan on OTT Platforms
- Shakuntala Devi – Amazon Prime Video
- Sherni – Amazon Prime Video
- Jalsa – Amazon Prime Video
- Vidya Balan has not acted in any OTT web series so far.
Upcoming / Popular Web Series of Vidya Balan
As of now, there are no officially announced Vidya Balan OTT web series.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Vidya Balan is a National Award-winning Indian actress who has always redefined women-led cinema in Bollywood.
Yes, she is one of the most respected and influential actresses in Bollywood.
Yes, she holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Sociology from Mumbai.
Yes, she has a sister named Priya Balan.
Vidya Balan is 46 years old (as of 2025). Vidya Balan age in 2026 will be 47 years.
She was born on 1 January 1979. Vidya Balan current age is 46 years.
Her parents are Mr. P. R. Balan and Mrs. Saraswathy Balan.
Vidya Balan height in feet is approximately 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm).
Vidya Balan weighs around 70 kg.
The estimated net worth of Vidya Balan is ₹100-120 crore.
