It seems like Parineeta girl Vidya Balan has become everybody’s favorite. Deepa Mehta who has till date made films on serious issues has decided to cast Vidya as Stella for her next film which will be a comic caper.

Deepa is doing something different by going for a comic genre and so is Vidya. Vidya has developed a serious image in the industry but with this international film tentatively titled Stella she will break her sober mold.

So how Deepa decided to cast Vidya? “I saw Vidya in Parineeta, and thought there was something extremely warm, earthy and old-worldly about her. Lurking beneath the graceful presence is a sense of mischief which you can see in the lighter flirtatious moments in Parineeta. I want to tap into that side of Vidya”, said Deepa Mehta.

The director has already spoken to the actress and two instantly hit it off. “From our telephone conversation I gathered that she’s hassle-free, professional and warm. I want someone who appears serious but who has an undercurrent of mischief, for the role. Vidya fits the bill.”

The actress also is excited about this leap forward in her career, “I can’t believe this! I’ve always admired Deepa’s films and now she wants to work with me. She spoke to me with such genuine affection. I’m really looking forward to working with her.” Her dates are now being worked out.

About her serious image Vidya said, “Well, I’m glad that serious filmmakers like Sudhir Mishra and Rituparno Ghosh are going to work with me. And even if Deepa Mehta does a comedy with me I’d treat it very seriously”.