Vidya aspired to a career in film from a young age and had her first acting role in the 1995 sitcom Hum Paanch. She was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2014. Known for pioneering a change in the portrayal of women in Hindi cinema with her roles in female-led films, she is the recipient of several awards, including a National Film Award and seven Filmfare Awards. Vidya Balan (pronounced born 1 January 1979) is an Indian actress.