A Portrait of Inspiration: My Moment with Vidya Balan

Painting of Hindi Film Actress Vidya Balan by Jyotiranjan Gudia in 2016 at KISS.

This is a hand-drawn portrait of renowned actress Vidya Balan, which I sketched live during her visit to the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) on February 2, 2016. At that time, I was a student in +3 Second Year Arts, pursuing Political Science Honours.

The atmosphere was filled with excitement as students eagerly awaited a glimpse of the Bollywood icon. For me, however, it was more than just a meeting - it was an opportunity to express my admiration through art. I began sketching her portrait right in front of her, capturing her elegance and warmth on paper.

During the live sketching session, something extraordinary happened - Vidya Balan graciously paused, looked at the emerging artwork and smiled. She not only appreciated the portrait but also personally signed it, writing a heartfelt note that read:
"Dear Jyotiranjan! God bless you. – Vidya Balan."

Her encouraging words, spoken with such kindness, left a lasting impact on me. In that moment, my passion for art was recognized by someone I deeply admired. That brief interaction boosted my confidence and became one of the most cherished moments of my life.

Today, this portrait is more than just a sketch. It is safely framed and proudly displayed on the wall of my house. Every time I look at it, I am reminded of that special day - a day when my creativity was celebrated and my dedication was rewarded.

The portrait continues to be a symbol of encouragement, inspiring me to pursue my dreams with commitment. It reflects the power of believing in oneself and how a simple gesture of appreciation can influence a person’s journey forever. It motivates me to keep balancing both creativity and academics with sincerity and passion.

Hindi Film Actress Vidya Balan and Dr. Achyuta Samanta at KISS, Bhubaneswar.

Vidya Balan with my classmate Sanjukta at KISS, Bhubaneswar.

Posted by Jyotiranjan Gudia

Jyotiranjan Gudia was born on May 1, 1997, in Muduliguda village of Malkangiri district, Odisha. He belongs to a tribal community and has a deep connection with the culture, traditions and social systems of indigenous people. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. at Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar. His research focuses on the traditional political system of the Didayi tribe, one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Odisha. His doctoral thesis, titled "Continuity and Changes of Traditional Political System of Didayi Tribe in Odisha: A Case Study of Malkangiri District," explores how traditional governance systems have evolved in response to modern influences. Jyotiranjan has conducted extensive fieldwork in 12 villages of Malkangiri, studying traditional leadership roles such as Naik, Chalan, Pujari and Dishari. Committed to preserving tribal identity and knowledge, he continues to work toward empowering indigenous communities through research and advocacy.

A Portrait of Inspiration: My Moment with Vidya Balan