Vidya Balan has opened up about missing the opportunity to portray legendary Carnatic vocalist M.S. Subbulakshmi in a planned biopic directed by Rajiv Menon more than a decade ago. The actor said a stay order prevented the film from moving forward, leaving her heartbroken. In a recent conversation, Vidya also revealed that a photographic tribute to the singer in 2024 led to seven offers to play Subbulakshmi on screen, but she insisted that the necessary permissions be secured first.
Vidya Balan says she was ‘heartbroken’ after M.S. Subbulakshmi biopic stalled
Vidya Balan has revealed that she was once set to portray legendary Carnatic singer M.S. Subbulakshmi in a film directed by Rajiv Menon. The project was in development around 2012–14 but could not proceed after a stay order was issued against it.Speaking to Variety India, Vidya said playing Subbulakshmi had been a longstanding wish, making the project’s eventual shelving particularly disappointing.“I was supposed to do a film on M.S. Subbulakshmi with Rajiv Menon back in 2012 or 2013, maybe 2013 or 2014. There was a stay order on the film because of which we couldn’t proceed. I’m heartbroken since then because I wanted to play M.S. Subbulakshmi,” she said.The actor explained that the film had been especially meaningful to her because Subbulakshmi’s music had been a part of her life since childhood. Despite the setback, Vidya eventually found another way to pay tribute to the celebrated vocalist.
‘She’s the voice I wake up to every morning’: Vidya Balan on her connection with M.S. Subbulakshmi
Vidya recalled growing up in a household where Subbulakshmi’s rendition of the ‘Suprabhatam’ played every morning. Her familiarity with the singer’s music and life made the opportunity to portray her on screen even more personal.“She’s the voice I wake up to every morning. Since my childhood, our house would wake up to the sounds of M.S. Subbulakshmi’s ‘Suprabhatam’. So, of course, I knew so much about her life, and Rajiv had written a beautiful script. But for whatever reason, there was a stay order put on the film,” she recalled.Years later, Vidya discussed her disappointment with costume designer Anu Parthasarathy, who had worked with her on films such as ‘Guru’ and ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’. Anu suggested creating a photographic tribute to Subbulakshmi, offering the actor a different way to honour the singer without making a film.The idea took time to materialise because of the pandemic and other professional commitments. However, the photoshoot eventually came together and was released on September 16, 2024, to mark Subbulakshmi’s 108th birth anniversary. Vidya said the tribute became a meaningful alternative to the biopic she had hoped to make. She explained that, in the absence of permission to proceed with a film, the photoshoot allowed her to express her admiration for the singer.
Vidya Balan reveals she received seven offers to play M.S. Subbulakshmi
The photographic tribute received appreciation and also brought Vidya several professional opportunities. The actor revealed that seven filmmakers approached her with offers to portray Subbulakshmi after the pictures were released. However, Vidya made it clear that she would consider such projects only if the required permissions were obtained.“I received seven film offers to play M.S. Subbulakshmi after the photoshoot came out. But I said, ‘Listen, if you get the permissions required, then I shall consider it. If not, I will not be able to do the film,’” she said.The actor has since found a way to honour the vocalist through the photographic tribute, even as the prospect of a full-fledged biopic remains dependent on the required clearances.
Vidya Balan wants to play Meena Kumari and Indira Gandhi
During the conversation, Vidya also spoke about two other prominent women she has long wanted to portray: legendary actor Meena Kumari and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. She revealed that she had once been expected to star in a series about Indira Gandhi with filmmaker Ritesh Batra, but that project also failed to materialise.
Rashmika Mandanna to portray M.S. Subbulakshmi in an upcoming biopic
Meanwhile, Rashmika Mandanna has been announced as the actor who will portray M.S. Subbulakshmi in the upcoming biopic ‘M.S. A Legacy On Screen’. The announcement brings renewed attention to the challenge of translating the life and legacy of the celebrated vocalist to the big screen. Subbulakshmi was one of the most influential figures in Carnatic music and was widely admired for her devotional recordings, including her iconic rendition of the ‘Suprabhatam’.
Vidya Balan’s current work slate
Vidya Balan has continued to explore roles across Hindi cinema and other film industries. Her recent return to South Indian cinema with Rajinikanth’s ‘Jailer 2’ has also brought her back into the spotlight.
