Stranded due to climate change protest in London, Vidya on how she took public transport to Palace of Westminster
Vidya Balan
Over the past month, London witnessed several protests and subsequent arrests as the demonstrations to highlight climate change grew wider and louder across the British capital. In a strange turn of events, Vidya Balan — who was stationed in London throughout October for the shoot of Shakuntala Devi — found her plans threatened due to the protests. Turns out, the actor was invited by the Honorary Baroness Sandip Verma to speak about the changing representation of women in Indian cinema, at the Palace of Westminster in the third week of October.
An eyewitness informs, "The roads leading to the Palace of Westminster were barricaded as part of the protest. While she did not want to turn down the invite, Vidya also wanted to show her solidarity with those protesting. So, she took the London tube to the Houses of Parliament instead."
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Vidya Balan at the station, in the tube, and at the venue
Balan, who firmly believes that the climate crisis needs urgent addressal, recounts the episode. "I had heard so much about the London tube, but never had the opportunity to take it. It was crowded but I enjoyed the ride. These are the small joys that I miss. I haven’t taken a train in India for so long," she smiles.
The actor adds that the visit was gratifying as they spoke about how Hindi cinema heroines have come a long way from the arm candy roles. "This is the best time in terms of how women are shown on screen. They are depicted as sheroes. They are no longer seen in relation to the roles they play in men’s lives. There were varied opinions shared and it was enriching to discuss multiple points of view."
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