Priyamani Says She Has “Never Been on Talking Terms” with Cousin Vidya Balan!

In a surprising yet refreshingly candid revelation, South Indian actress Priyamani recently opened up about her distant relationship with her cousin and Bollywood icon Vidya Balan. The actress, known for her versatility across languages and her performances in The Family Man and numerous regional hits, disclosed that despite being blood relatives, the two stars have never really been on talking terms.

Her statement has sparked widespread curiosity among fans, given that both belong to prominent film industries and share a deep passion for cinema. Yet, as Priyamani emphasized, their lack of contact stems not from disagreement but from the natural distance that life and careers sometimes create.

The Revelation

During a recent media interaction, Priyamani shared,

“Vidya Balan is my cousin, yes, but we have never been on talking terms in that way. I am more in touch with her father, who speaks to my dad once in a while.”

This revelation came as a surprise to many who assumed the two actresses—each a powerhouse performer in her own right—would share a close personal bond. However, Priyamani clarified that despite their lack of frequent interaction, she holds tremendous admiration for Vidya’s craft, calling her “one of the finest actresses India has ever produced.”

Their Family Connection

To those unfamiliar with their background, Priyamani and Vidya Balan are second cousins. Their grandfathers were brothers, linking them through an extended family network that traces its roots to Palakkad, Kerala.

While both belong to the same ancestral lineage, their upbringings and careers unfolded in very different environments. Vidya grew up in Mumbai, where she entered Bollywood after her breakout performance in Parineeta (2005). Priyamani, meanwhile, was raised in Bengaluru and began her acting journey in the South Indian film industry, working in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema before gaining national fame.

This geographical and professional divide appears to be one of the main reasons for their limited personal contact.

When They Met

Priyamani revealed that she has met Vidya only twice in her life.

“The first time was at an award function where Vidya presented an award to me,” she recalled. “The second was at a private event years later. We exchanged greetings, and that was about it.”

These encounters, though brief, were cordial. There has never been any animosity or misunderstanding between the two—just a natural distance resulting from their different lives and careers.

No Rift, Just Distance

Importantly, Priyamani was quick to clarify that there is no rift or strained relationship between her and Vidya. Their lack of interaction does not stem from personal issues but from the absence of opportunity or regular family contact.

She explained that Vidya’s father often keeps in touch with her family and sometimes reaches out to her father directly. However, Vidya herself is not part of those conversations, likely due to her busy schedule and different social circles.

This statement effectively puts to rest any potential rumors of family discord. Instead, it paints a realistic picture of how modern extended families—especially those spread across cities and professions—often drift apart.

Priyamani’s Respect for Vidya Balan

Despite their limited personal interaction, Priyamani spoke with immense respect and affection for her famous cousin. She described Vidya as a “phenomenal actor” whose work she deeply admires.

“I am a huge fan of her performances. I miss seeing her on screen because she brings something magical to every role she plays,” Priyamani said.

Her words echo what many in the industry feel about Vidya Balan, who has carved out a niche as one of the most respected performers in Indian cinema with films like Kahaani, Tumhari Sulu, The Dirty Picture, and Shakuntala Devi.

This gracious acknowledgment from Priyamani demonstrates maturity and professionalism—emphasizing admiration over gossip or controversy.

Why Their Relationship Became a Talking Point

The revelation quickly made headlines, partly because fans were unaware of the family connection and partly because of the honesty with which Priyamani spoke.

In the entertainment industry, where image often takes precedence, it’s rare for stars to openly discuss personal relationships that don’t fit the “perfect family” narrative. Priyamani’s statement was therefore refreshing—it humanized both actresses and reminded the public that not all relationships are close, even within families.

Moreover, the idea that two highly successful women from the same family charted such distinct paths—one in Bollywood, the other in South Indian cinema—adds intrigue to their story.

Different Worlds, Common Passion

Both Vidya and Priyamani have built remarkable careers, but in very different contexts.

• Vidya Balan, based in Mumbai, is celebrated for redefining the image of the Bollywood heroine. She broke stereotypes with her roles as strong, independent women who drive the narrative—something rare in mainstream Hindi cinema.

• Priyamani, meanwhile, became a star in the South, working across languages and genres. From winning a National Award for Paruthiveeran to impressing pan-Indian audiences in Amazon Prime’s The Family Man, she has continually proven her versatility.

Their differing trajectories highlight how India’s multiple film industries can produce equally powerful talents—each rooted in unique traditions and storytelling styles.

Fan Reactions

Fans across social media platforms had mixed reactions to Priyamani’s revelation.

Some expressed surprise that two such accomplished actresses from the same family barely communicate. Others appreciated Priyamani’s honesty, commending her for addressing the topic with dignity and without sensationalism.

One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote:

“Sometimes relationships are just like that. Doesn’t mean there’s a problem. Love Priyamani’s humility and how respectfully she spoke about Vidya Balan.”

Another added:

“Two icons, two paths. Family doesn’t always mean daily calls. What matters is respect.”

These sentiments reflect how the audience today values authenticity over manufactured drama.

No Bitterness, Only Admiration

The most striking part of Priyamani’s revelation was her calm and affectionate tone. There was no trace of bitterness or complaint—just acceptance.

She didn’t attempt to dramatize the situation or distance herself from her cousin. Instead, she celebrated Vidya’s achievements and expressed hope to see her more often, perhaps even collaborate someday if the right script comes along.

This mutual respect between two powerful female performers from the same family sets a refreshing example in an industry often marred by rivalries and rumors.

What Both Actresses Are Up To

While the conversation around their relationship continues online, both Priyamani and Vidya are busy with their respective careers.

• Priyamani will next be seen in The Family Man 3 alongside Manoj Bajpayee and in several South Indian films, including Jana Nayagan and Khaimara.

• Vidya Balan, on the other hand, recently appeared in Do Aur Do Pyaar and is reportedly working on a new women-centric film that continues her legacy of strong characters.

Fans of both stars have expressed interest in seeing them share screen space someday—a collaboration that would surely attract immense attention.

Conclusion: A Tale of Two Strong Women

Priyamani’s candid remarks about her relationship with Vidya Balan serve as a gentle reminder that family connections don’t always translate into close friendships. In an industry that thrives on perception, her honesty was refreshing and grounded.

Despite their limited interaction, both actresses share an unspoken bond through their craft—each excelling in her own sphere, commanding respect, and breaking barriers for women in cinema.

Ultimately, the story of Priyamani and Vidya Balan is not about distance, but about individual journeys—two women connected by blood, separated by circumstance, yet united by passion, talent, and mutual admiration.

And in a world that often demands perfection in relationships, their story feels real, relatable, and refreshingly human.