When the director approached her for the role, she wasn't sure about playing the mother of a progeric child. "Initially, I wondered how to do the role as I didn't have that motherly instinct. But while working on the film I realised what motherhood is," said Vidya. 

Vidya, who plays Amitabh Bachchan's mother in Paa, was so impressed by Abhishek's caring behaviour towards his father during the shooting that she confesses she would like to have a son like Abhishek in real life. "I would prefer a son like Abhishek. I have seen him with his father on the sets... he was so nice to his father that I was touched," say’s the pretty actress.

Asked if it wasn't a risk to play a mother so early in her career, she said: "I didn't see any risk, rather it was a lifetime opportunity to get to work in such a wonderful film." She agrees that the Big B has clearly outdone himself in his portrayal of Auro “It wasn't Amitabh Bachchan anymore, he transformed into Auro completely. When he got into make-up, his mannerisms changed," she said.

Abhishek Bachchan plays Vidya's husband in the film and she said she had a great time shooting with the junior B as well. "Abhishek's a livewire on set! He doesn't even rehearse. When the director says action, you don't know what to expect," said Vidya.

At the wrong places? 
(Laughs) Let me say it. It’s been a long journey. Full marks to my dietician Pooja Makhija and trainer Vilayat Hussain. I don’t even go to a gym. I train at home. I do a bit of cardio, weights and callisthenics. And I eat a lot more intelligently now.

After losing weight, why are you not seen in Western outfits?
I didn’t lose weight to wear suggestive outfits. I lost weight to feel better about myself. I enjoy wearing Indian clothes.

Don’t you therefore stand to lose roles? You have kissed in Ishqiya, you did a lovemaking scene in Heyy Baby, so why say no to ‘suggestive’ attire? 
I will wear what is required. But you know, suggestive outfits tantamount to skin show and take away the meat from the character. I want the meat, not the bone.

Have you always avoided daring outfits even in your teen’s college etc?
Yes. My friends wore what collegians mostly wear. But I didn’t join them. I stood alone, but I was happy. I do wear skirts, but not very short ones. And I don’t wear shorts, not even at home.

Did the caustic comments about your weight finally get to you?
I won’t say that I was immune to them. But you see, I was going through a lot of confusion in my head on a lot of fronts. I started taking a few things for granted. I became complacent. And I lost interest. Till Kismet Connection, everything was going well for me and then suddenly...

That was when your friendship with Shahid Kapoor went haywire?
I don’t see the connection.