Period films are nothing new in Bollywood. We get to see many movies that are set in different times and eras. Actors also love to do period films as it gives them an opportunity to perform a character that is something totally different from them.
Many actors like Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Priyanka Chopra, and others have starred in more than one period film, but well there’s one actress who has starred in five-period movies. We are talking about Vidya Balan.
So, today, let’s look at the list of period films Vidya has starred in…
Parineeta
Vidya Balan started her Bollywood career with a period love story titled Parineeta. Directed by Pradeep Sarkar, the movie was set in the 1960s and Vidya had given a fantastic performance in it. Also, her look impressed one and all.
The Dirty Picture
One of the best films of Vidya Balan till date is The Dirty Picture. The movie was inspired by the life of South siren, Silk Smitha, and was set in the 80s. Vidya received a National Award for her performance in the movie.
Ekk Albela
In 2016, Vidya starred in a Marathi film titled Ekk Albela which was a biopic on late legendary actor Bhagwan. The actress portrayed the role of Geeta Bali in the film, and though it was just an extended cameo, Vidya stole the show with her look.
Begum Jaan
Set against the backdrop of partition, 2017 release Begum Jaan failed to make a mark at the box office. However, Vidya nailed it in the film and it is surely one of the best performances of her career.
Shakuntala Devi
And now, it’s time for us to watch one more period film featuring Vidya Balan. Well, the actress’ next release is a biopic on Shakuntala Devi, so of course, it will start from the pre-independence era and end in early 2000. We are surely looking forward to Vidya’s performance in this.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.