When Vidya Balan slammed pretentious cinema; praised SRK’s emotional connect; said close-ups made him iconic

When Vidya Balan didn’t hold back while sharing her thoughts on the direction Bollywood was heading her thoughtful words went viral.

In a candid chat with Bollywood Hungama earlier this year, the National Award-winning actor slammed what she called “pretentious cinema” and spoke about how newer filmmakers were slowly losing touch with India’s style of storytelling. According to her, too many were influenced by international cinema or foreign education, leaving them unfamiliar with what truly resonates with Indian audiences. “It is alienating, not engrossing,” Vidya had said, adding that it was this gap that made some films feel cold and disconnected.

The power of close-ups, cites SRK as perfect example

Highlighting what works for her as an actor and audience member, Vidya passionately defended the importance of close-up shots in cinema. “The only way to connect with your character is through a close-up. Give me close-ups! Let me look into the eye,” she emphasized. She then used Shah Rukh Khan as the perfect example, crediting his unmatched emotional connect for making him the nation’s beloved romantic hero. “That’s how the nation fell in love with Shah Rukh Khan. Imagine if he was only doing this (arms-stretched pose), he wouldn’t be as loved!” she laughed, making a powerful point that emotions, not gimmicks, build legends.

Vidya Balan on why emotions matter

Vidya also shared her fondness for masala entertainers, pointing out that while they may be over the top, they never felt fake. For her, it was emotion that made cinema magical, not just technique. Her words struck a chord with many, especially at a time when audiences often debate realism versus escapism. Even though she hasn’t worked extensively with Shah Rukh Khan, Vidya’s respect for his craft shone through, recalling their brief screen moments in Heyy Babyy and the song Deewangi Deewangi from Om Shanti Om.

Shah Rukh Khan, last seen in Rajkumar Hirani’s 'Dunki' (2023), is now gearing up for 'King' alongside his daughter Suhana Khan. Meanwhile, Vidya herself continues to balance strong roles and commercial entertainers, with her last outing being the Diwali 2024 hit 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3'.