Vidya Balan is one Bollywood actress known for expressing her opinions openly. In a recent conversation, she discussed her views on current trends in filmmaking. Speaking honestly, Vidya reflected on how contemporary filmmakers are moving away from the elements that gave Indian cinema its timeless charm. She pointed out that numerous young directors, inspired by global content, seem to have lost touch with the core of ‘our’ unique storytelling tradition.
At the third edition of Bollywood Hungama Style Icons Summit and Awards 2025 (BH Style Icons S3) Vidya confessed, “I may sound like too much of a senior when I say this, but they don’t know what our kind of storytelling is! It is alienating, it is not engrossing me.”
Vidya feels that the emotional bond between a film and its audience often fades when close-up shots are missing. “A lot of these directors don’t even use close-ups. I find that shocking,” she said with conviction. To her, close-ups are essential because they allow characters to communicate silently, giving viewers a glimpse into their soul through their eyes. She believes this straightforward approach is what makes ‘masala’ films so entertaining—they are boldly emotional, sincere, and without preteens, enabling audiences to genuinely ‘feel’ the experience instead of overanalysing it.
Continuing the discussion, Vidya brought up Shah Rukh Khan as an ideal example. Famous for his signature arms-stretched-wide pose, SRK has charmed fans and captured hearts with this iconic move for years. However, Vidya emphasized that it wasn’t merely the gesture that earned him the title of King of Hearts. “Imagine if he was only doing this (imitates the pose), he won’t be as loved,” she added, “Shah Rukh’s expressive eyes and the raw vulnerability shown in his close-up shots that truly made the nation fall for him.”
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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