Vidya Balan was born on January 1, 1978, in Ottapalam, Kerala, India. She grew up in a traditional Malayali family in Mumbai, India. Her parents, P. Balan and Saraswathy Balan, were both film enthusiasts who encouraged her to pursue a career in acting.
Vidya Balan is married to Siddharth Roy Kapur, a film producer and distributor. The couple got married in 2012 and has a daughter, born in 2015.
Vidya Balan's rise to fame began with her critically acclaimed performance in the 2006 film "Saawariya," directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Although the film didn't perform well at the box office, Vidya's portrayal of a vibrant and enthusiastic young woman earned her a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress.
Vidya is known for her strong views on feminism and women's empowerment. She has been an advocate for various social causes, including education, healthcare, and women's rights.
Vidya Balan began her acting career in 1995, appearing in a Malayalam film called "Pallu Padama Paathuka." However, it was her breakthrough performance in the 2004 film "Gomti Express" that gained her recognition.