Begum Jaan is the most powerful character I've played, says Vidya Balan

Vidya Balan's recent films have all promoted an empowering message for women and her upcoming film Begum Jaan is no less.

Speaking to Hindustan Times, the actor says that her role in the film is the most powerful character she has seen on-screen and off.

“I don’t know about brave, but this is definitely the most powerful role I have played, or let me put it this way: I have played strong characters but this is the most powerful one. I feel I haven’t seen this powerful a character on or off screen.”

However, she points out that the roles she picks are not to serve as a role model to others, but rather her own self.

“There’s only one person whose empowerment I’m concerned with and that’s me”.

“I don’t care if it’s [the above statement] misconstrued, because I really think that I am not here to champion a cause. The only cause I am here to champion is my own," says Vidya. "Otherwise, I believe that it is very preachy or patronising when you think that you are going to do something for the larger good of women. I believe that change has to happen at an individual level.

"People tell me that some of my films have inspired them and that they get courage from the way I am off screen. I am humbled but that’s not what I set out to do. I didn’t strategise. I have done films or played roles that have been an extension of myself or have reflected my current state of mind. Invariably, I am constantly trying to empower myself through my films. It empowers me, and if along the way, it empowers someone else, then that’s great.”

Neither does she consider herself the flag-bearer of feminism.

“I am confused about the definition of a feminist, because it has become so random. Being a feminist is being someone who knows that she has equal rights, opportunities, and therefore, a right to live her life on her own terms. But the good thing is that feminism is in our collective consciousness.”

Begum Jaan will hit theatres on April 14.