Vidya Balan Biography, Age, Family, Sisters, Wedding, Movies & Net Worth. Vidya Balan is one of the most acclaimed and respected actresses in Indian cinema. Known for breaking stereotypes and redefining female-led narratives in Bollywood, she has built a career based on powerful performances, bold role choices, and unwavering individuality. A recipient of numerous awards, including the National Film Award and multiple Filmfare Awards, Vidya has consistently stood out for her authenticity, depth, and range as an actor.
Age & Early Life
Vidya Balan was born on 1 January 1979 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. As of 2025, she is 46 years old.
She hails from a Tamil Iyer family and was raised in Mumbai. Vidya completed her schooling at St. Anthony Girls’ High School in Chembur and later earned a degree in Sociology from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai. She also holds a master’s degree from the University of Mumbai.
From a young age, Vidya was passionate about acting. Inspired by iconic actresses like Shabana Azmi and Madhuri Dixit, she began pursuing a career in showbiz early on.
Family Background
Father: P. R. Balan – worked as Vice President of DG of Digital at Green Advertising
Mother: Saraswathy Balan – homemaker
Sister: Priya Balan – works in advertising
Vidya has often credited her family for giving her the freedom and confidence to pursue unconventional choices, both professionally and personally.
Acting Career
Although Vidya first appeared in the 1995 TV sitcom Hum Paanch, her film career took off later.
Her film debut was the Bengali movie Bhalo Theko (2003), for which she won the Anandalok Award. She gained nationwide fame with her Hindi film debut in Parineeta (2005), which was a critical success.
Major Films & Career Highlights:
Parineeta (2005) – Debut Hindi film; earned her Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut
Lage Raho Munna Bhai (2006) – A commercial hit and socially impactful film
Guru (2007) – Played a strong supporting role opposite Madhavan
Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007) – Her performance as a possessed woman won critical acclaim
Paa (2009) – Played mother to Amitabh Bachchan in a sensitive and layered role
Ishqiya (2010) – A bold and unconventional role in a dark comedy
The Dirty Picture (2011) – National Film Award for Best Actress; one of her most iconic performances
Kahaani (2012) – A thriller led entirely by her; one of the highest-grossing female-centric films
Tumhari Sulu (2017) – Portrayed a middle-class housewife-turned-RJ; won several awards
Mission Mangal (2019) – Ensemble cast; she played a key scientist in India’s Mars mission
Jalsa (2022) – A digital release that earned praise for its intense and mature themes
Neeyat (2023) – A whodunit film in which she played a detective
Do Aur Do Pyaar (2024) – A romantic drama exploring complex relationships
Vidya is credited for spearheading the female-led film movement in Bollywood during the 2010s, taking on strong, independent characters and proving that women-led films can be commercially successful.
Personal Life
Vidya Balan married Siddharth Roy Kapur, a noted film producer and the CEO of Roy Kapur Films (and former MD of Disney India), in December 2012.
The couple maintains a low profile and prefers to keep their personal life out of the spotlight. They do not have children as of 2025.
Physical Appearance
Height: 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm)
Weight: Approximately 65 kg (143 lbs)
Figure: 36-30-38 inches
Eye Color: Dark Brown
Hair Color: Black
Body Type: Curvy and confident
Notable Features:
Known for her traditional Indian look and love for handloom sarees
Radiates confidence and poise in every public appearance
Net Worth & Business Ventures
As of 2025, Vidya Balan’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 million USD (₹165+ crore INR).
Primary Sources of Income:
Feature films and OTT projects
Brand endorsements (fashion, wellness, ethnic wear, and FMCG products)
Public speaking and brand campaigns focused on women empowerment
She also has a stake in Roy Kapur Films, her husband’s production house, and is involved creatively in script selection and content development.
Awards & Recognitions
Vidya Balan is among the most decorated Indian actresses of her generation:
National Film Award – Best Actress for The Dirty Picture
6 Filmfare Awards, including Best Actress for Paa, The Dirty Picture, Kahaani
Padma Shri (2014) – India’s fourth-highest civilian award
Critics’ Choice Awards, IIFA, Zee Cine, and others
She has also served as a jury member at international film festivals such as the Cannes Film Festival (2013).
Philanthropy & Social Contributions
Vidya Balan is deeply involved in several social causes:
Women empowerment and gender equality
Sanitation and hygiene awareness (Swachh Bharat Abhiyan ambassador)
Support for body positivity and mental health
Education and skill development for girls
She regularly lends her voice to campaigns that promote self-confidence, cultural pride, and inclusivity.
Social Media Presence
Vidya is active on social media and uses her platforms to engage with fans and promote meaningful content.
Instagram: @balanvidya
Twitter (X): @vidya_balan
YouTube: Occasionally featured in interviews and content from Roy Kapur Films
She shares a mix of behind-the-scenes content, traditional fashion looks, and advocacy posts.
Current Endeavors (2025)
In 2025, Vidya is working on:
A biopic on a South Indian activist, set for a mid-2025 release
A Netflix anthology project
Involvement in producing female-driven stories under Roy Kapur Films
She continues to prioritize scripts that portray layered, strong women and challenge societal norms.
FAQs ABOUT Vidya Balan
1. When and where was Vidya Balan born?
→ 1 January 1979 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
2. What was her debut film?
→ Bengali film Bhalo Theko (2003); Hindi debut in Parineeta (2005).
3. Is Vidya Balan married?
→ Yes, to producer Siddharth Roy Kapur since December 2012.
4. What are her most acclaimed roles?
→ The Dirty Picture, Kahaani, Tumhari Sulu, Ishqiya, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Paa
5. Has she won the National Film Award?
→ Yes, for The Dirty Picture (Best Actress).
6. What’s Vidya Balan’s height?
→ Approximately 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm).
7. Does she have children?
→ No, as of 2025.
8. What is her net worth in 2025?
→ Estimated at $20 million USD (₹165 crore+ INR).
9. Is she active on social media?
→ Yes, especially on Instagram and Twitter.
10. What causes does she support?
→ Women’s rights, sanitation, body positivity, and mental health.
11. What kind of roles does she prefer now?
→ Female-led, emotionally complex, socially relevant characters.
12. Is she involved in film production?
→ Yes, she contributes to Roy Kapur Films in a creative capacity.
