Vidya Balan famously refused to wear skimpy gym clothes or Western party wear in most of her films. Instead, she brought the saree back into fashion. In Parineeta , it was the chiffon and georgette sarees. In Kahaani , it was the cotton Bengali tant saree. In Tumhari Sulu , it was the synthetic half-sarees. She made traditional Indian clothing look sexy, powerful, and relevant.

: She is frequently cited for her refusal to conform to rigid industry beauty standards, advocating for body positivity and self-acceptance. She is also known for her preference for traditional Indian attire, specifically saris . Influence & Advocacy

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From 2009 to 2012, she starred in a series of critical and commercial hits that redefined the role of a heroine: Paa (2009): Portrayed the mother of a child with progeria. The Dirty Picture (2011):