Vidya Balan opens up on playing Amitabh Bachchan's mother in ‘Paa’, admits "it wasn't an instant yes"

In a recent interview, actor Vidya Balan shared that she had initially hesitated before agreeing to play Amitabh Bachchan’s mother in the film Paa, directed by R Balki. Vidya revealed that when Balki approached her with the script, she was initially shocked and thought, “What kind of story is this? He’s insane.” She also wondered why Balki would seek her to portray Amitabh Bachchan's mother, given their age difference.

Despite her initial reservations, Vidya sent the script to a few of her friends for their opinions, and they all encouraged her to take up the role. However, it still took her a while to make a decision, as she wanted to follow her gut and be sure before committing to the project. Ultimately, she agreed to play the role and received critical acclaim for her performance.

‘Paa’ tells the story of a 12-year-old boy with a rare genetic condition called progeria, which causes premature ageing. Amitabh Bachchan played the boy, while Vidya played his mother. The film was not a commercial success, earning around Rs 30 crore. However, it was lauded for its performances, particularly Amitabh’s portrayal of the young boy. For his performance in the film, he received the National Award for Best Actor.


Vidya’s reluctance to take on the role shows her commitment to choosing projects that challenge her as an actor and her willingness to trust her instincts. Despite her doubts, she recognized the potential of the script and ultimately delivered a powerful performance in the film.

‘Paa’ may not have been a box office hit, but it remains an important film in Indian cinema for its honest portrayal of a rare condition and the relationship between parents and their children.

FAQ

Q1. What is the film ‘Paa’ about?
It is about a boy with a rare genetic condition called ‘progeria’.

Q2. Was ‘Paa’ a commercial success?
No, the film was not a commercial success.