Vidya Balan

Known for pioneering a change in the portrayal of women in Hindi cinema with her roles in female-led films, Balan has received several awards, including a National Film Award and seven Filmfare Awards. In 2014, she was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India. Her career began with the 1995 sitcom Hum Paanch. While studying for a master's degree in sociology from the University of Mumbai, she made several unsuccessful film attempts and appeared in TV commercials and music videos. Her film debut was in the Bengali film Bhalo Theko (2003), and she gained praise for her first Hindi film, Parineeta (2005). Commercial successes followed with Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006) and Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), though her later roles did not immediately advance her career.

Balan then established herself by starring as headstrong women in five consecutive commercial successes: Paa (2009), Ishqiya (2010), No One Killed Jessica (2012), Kahaani (2012), and The Dirty Picture (2011). The Dirty Picture earned her the National Film Award for Best Actress. After a downturn, she made a comeback with Tumhari Sulu (2017) and Mission Mangal (2019), the latter being her highest-grossing release. More recently, she starred in Amazon Prime Video films Shakuntala Devi (2020), Sherni (2021), and Jalsa (2022). Balan also promotes humanitarian causes and supports women's empowerment. She is a member of the Indian Central Board of Film Certification and has hosted a radio show. Early in her career, she faced criticism for her fluctuating weight and dress sense, but was later credited for her unconventionality. She is married to film producer Siddharth Roy Kapur.