Vidya Balan reveals a lesson she learnt from Malayalam superstar Mohanlal while shooting 'Chakram', saying 'he doesn't read books or distract himself in between the shots'

Vidya Balan, who is known for her powerful performances in Bollywood, shared a fascinating tidbit from her days before fame struck. Many might not know, but Vidya was initially set to start her acting career in the Malayalam film industry with a movie titled "Chakram," where she was to share the screen space with legendary actor Mohanlal.

Although the project didn't see the light of day, the experience left a lasting impression on Vidya.

In a heartfelt revelation, Vidya expressed her admiration for Mohanlal, not just as an actor but as a person on the film set. During the shoot, she noticed something about Mohanlal that struck her profoundly. Unlike others who might use breaks for personal activities, Mohanlal stayed focused on the job. "He wouldn’t distract himself with anything, not even reading a book, during breaks. He wanted to stay present, ready for whenever the director called action. That dedication, that readiness for the 'magic' of filmmaking, really inspired me," Vidya shared.

It wasn't just his focus that Vidya admired; it was his willingness to lend a hand with even the smallest tasks on set. Mohanlal, despite being a huge star, would assist the crew in any way he could, like holding a tape for measuring distances for the camera focus. This humility and team spirit taught Vidya a valuable lesson: in the world of filmmaking, the process and teamwork are more important than individual stardom.

"Chakram," the movie that could have been Vidya's entry into cinema, initially featured her alongside Mohanlal and Dileep, under the direction of Kamal. Unfortunately, the film was shelved after its first schedule. However, the project was resurrected in 2003 with a different cast, including Prithviraj Sukumaran and Meera Jasmine, under the direction of the late AK Lohithadas.

This version of "Chakram" transformed into an action thriller about Chandrahasan, a truck driver whose life takes a drastic turn when his love interest is kidnapped, prompting him to embark on a rescue mission.

Vidya's early experiences and lessons from icons like Mohanlal undoubtedly helped shape her into the acclaimed actress she is today, emphasising the essence of presence, dedication, and humility in the craft of filmmaking.