In a recent interview with casting director Mukesh Chhabra on Mashable India, filmmaker Sujoy Ghosh shared insights into the behind-the-scenes struggles he faced while shooting his critically acclaimed and commercially successful film, Kahaani (2012). Despite working on a shoestring budget, the film left a lasting impact on audiences and proved to be a turning point in Ghosh’s career. The director recalled how lead actress Vidya Balan, known for her versatility and commitment, had to make several sacrifices during the shoot due to their limited resources.
No Budget, No Vanity Van: Vidya Balan’s Dedication to Kahaani Sujoy Ghosh’s Kahaani, a gripping thriller, was shot in the bustling streets of Kolkata on a tight budget. In his interview, Ghosh revealed one of the most striking stories about the production: Vidya Balan, who played the film’s protagonist Vidya Bagchi, often had to change her clothes in a car, as the production couldn’t afford a vanity van. “We had no budget, so we had no vanity van. We used to cover an Innova with black cloth, and she would change inside. She’s so dedicated,” Ghosh shared.
Vidya’s dedication to the film didn’t waver, even in the face of these limitations. Ghosh emphasized how she went above and beyond for the project, adding, “Vidya is zubaan ki pakki (someone who sticks to her word). She could have easily walked away after my previous film, Aladin, flopped, but she didn’t. She stuck by me, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.”
Vidya Balan’s Faith in Sujoy Ghosh After Aladin Flop Before Kahaani, Sujoy Ghosh faced a major setback with his 2009 fantasy film Aladin, which starred Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Riteish Deshmukh, and Jacqueline Fernandez. Ghosh had high hopes for the movie, but it failed at the box office and took four years of his time with little to show in return. Reflecting on the impact of Aladin’s failure, Ghosh revealed that Vidya Balan could have easily said no to Kahaani because of it.
He said, “After Aladin flopped, Vidya could have refused to work with me, but she didn’t. She had given me her word, and she honored it. That speaks volumes about her character and dedication.” The filmmaker first saw Vidya at Sanjay Gupta’s office, where she was listening to a narration from Meghna Gulzar. Ghosh was struck by her talent and determination, and from that moment, he knew he wanted to work with her. He even gave her ₹1, symbolically committing to making a film with her someday. That promise became Kahaani, a film that wouldn’t have been possible without Vidya Balan’s faith in the director.
The Success of Kahaani and Its Legacy Despite the challenges of a low budget and logistical limitations, Kahaani went on to become one of the most successful films of 2012. Starring Vidya Balan as a pregnant woman searching for her missing husband in the chaotic streets of Kolkata, the film received widespread critical acclaim. It also won three National Film Awards, including Best Screenplay (Original), Best Editing, and a Special Jury Award for Nawazuddin Siddiqui.
Parambrata Chatterjee and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, both of whom played crucial roles in the film, also received praise for their performances, adding depth to the film’s layered narrative.
The success of Kahaani proved that a strong story, committed actors, and a dedicated crew could overcome even the most significant budget constraints, and it established Ghosh as a director capable of delivering compelling, impactful stories.
Sujoy Ghosh and Vidya Balan’s Future Projects Sujoy Ghosh’s career has flourished since the success of Kahaani. After debuting as a filmmaker with 2003’s Jhankaar Beats, Ghosh continued to push creative boundaries. His most recent works include directing a segment for Netflix’s Lust Stories 2 and the film Jaane Jaan, starring Kareena Kapoor Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Vijay Varma. Ghosh is now preparing to direct King, a project starring Shah Rukh Khan and his daughter Suhana Khan.
Vidya Balan, who remains one of Bollywood’s most versatile actresses, was last seen in Do Aur Do Pyaar, where she shared screen space with Pratik Gandhi, Ileana D'Cruz, and Sendhil Ramamurthy. Vidya’s next project, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, will see her reunite with Kartik Aaryan and Triptii Dimri in another thrilling adventure.
As both Ghosh and Balan continue to push their careers forward, their collaboration on Kahaani remains a testament to the power of dedication, faith, and hard work in the face of adversity.
Conclusion Sujoy Ghosh’s Kahaani remains a landmark film, not just for its storytelling, but for the challenges the cast and crew overcame during production. Vidya Balan’s dedication and unwavering support of Ghosh during a difficult time showcase her integrity as an actress and a collaborator. As fans eagerly await future projects from both the filmmaker and the actress, Kahaani stands as a reminder of how powerful films can be, even when made on the smallest of budgets.