Vidya Balan, the celebrated Bollywood actress, has revealed a shocking incident from early in her career when she was asked to consider getting a nose job. The incident occurred during the making of her debut film, "Parineeta". According to Balan, filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra suggested she undergo surgery to alter her nose.

Balan recounted that Chopra told her directly that her nose was "too long" and offered to send her to Los Angeles to have it "fixed". This suggestion left Balan feeling extremely upset and scared. As a newcomer, she feared that refusing Chopra's suggestion could lead to her being dropped from the film.

Despite her fear, Balan was determined to stay true to herself. She confided in Pradeep Sarkar, the director of "Parineeta," expressing her unwillingness to undergo cosmetic surgery. Balan asserted that she would rather not be in the film than change her appearance to fit conventional beauty standards, saying, "I can't cut my nose to be an actress". Sarkar supported her decision, reassuring her that surgery was unnecessary. It remains unclear how Sarkar resolved the issue with Chopra, but Balan was ultimately able to keep her natural nose.

This incident highlights the pressures faced by actresses in the film industry to conform to certain physical ideals. Balan's experience reflects a time when cosmetic surgery was often seen as a necessary step for aspiring actresses. Her refusal to alter her appearance set a powerful example and contributed to a shift in attitudes towards beauty standards in Bollywood.

In subsequent interviews, Balan has expressed her contentment with her looks and has spoken out against the pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. She embraces her age and refuses to get "lines removed" from her face, stating, "I'm a happy 38-year-old. Let people know I've lived a good 38 years". Balan's confidence and self-acceptance have made her a role model for many women. She has consistently championed individuality and has encouraged others to embrace their natural selves.