Vidya Balan shares she has faced sexism by men, women and herself: ‘Sometimes I have underestimated myself’

Vidya Balan is currently busy roaring on-screen as she soars high on the success of her latest release, Sherni. The actress has portrayed the role of an Indian Forest Service officer named Vidya Vincent in the film, who not only tracks a disturbed tigress in the forest but also battles patriarchy on a daily basis. Helmed by Amit V. Masurkar, the thriller also features Vijay Raaz, Sharat Saxena and Ila Arun among others in supporting roles. The story line has been praised and Vidya’s understated yet hard-hitting performance has been lauded by the audience.

In a recent interview with Mid Day, the actress shared that she related with her character in Sherni. Vidya was quoted saying, “Sexism is not only about how men treat women; it is as much a mindset that women have, as a result of their deep-rooted conditioning. I have faced sexism from men, women and myself. Sometimes I have underestimated myself because I am a woman. But over time, I’ve realised that there is a way out. I don’t have to hold myself back because [of my gender].”

Talking about the reception of her film, Vidya shared that she feels overwhelmed because she makes films for people to watch and the more people watch it, the happier it makes her. However, the actress went on to add that it is not about validation for her. She explained, “I choose the stories I want to tell. My decision is not based on what [subjects] the audience will like. When they do like what I am putting out, it’s a form of gratification. It encourages me as an actor.”