Vidya Balan went green this diwali

Not many people know that Vidya Balan is one of the few ecologically aware stars today. says a source close to Vidya, "This Diwali, Vidya's close friends and well wishers, were pleasantly surprised to receive a packet containing Feng Shui stuff from the actress. The packet contained a bamboo house-plant, incense sticks, candles and cones. Vidya also brought back sweets for the entire Ishquiyan unit in Wai when she returned from Mumbai."

Says Vidya, "Though I don't follow Feng Shui, I thought that rather than gift everyone the usual Diwali gifts of diyas (lamps), chocolates and mithais, it's better to send out these things. I wanted to gift all my friends in an eco-friendly way. Also a bamboo plants lasts through the years. I'm not into Vastu or Feng Shui but only do the prayers. Initially, I thought of sending plants, seeds or saplings, but then I realised people might throw them away; and so, the Feng Shui material. It's a sign of positivity and people will keep them."

Vidya adds, "All of us owe it to ourselves to become ecologically aware so that global warming doesn't affect our earth. As it is, pollution and traffic in cities have increased so much that they have become almost inhabitable to live in. We should stop cutting down and plant more trees. Even one small plant will make a difference."

Vidya has been shooting for Vishal Bhardwaj's Ishquiyan directed by Abhishek Choubey in Wai for the last couple of weeks and is enjoying every bit of it. Vidya says, "Though I will be staying here till December I am very happy to be here. I went back for Diwali for just a day to be with my parents and brother and sister-in-law who had come for Diwali. Wai is a beautiful place and is very cold in the mornings now. Though we are cut off from civilisation, I am enjoying myself and don't miss Mumbai as long as I know I am going to go back."

Vidya has discovered a Maharashtrian food joint in Wai. "It's called Bandu Gore and the food is like ghar ka khaana. It's simple and consists of sabzi, daal but very tempered down less salt, oil and spices. I love Maharasht-rian food."

With Ishquiyan, Vidya returned to shooting after almost a year. She says, "It's been almost a year since I shot for my last film, Kismet Connection. I do one film a year. I kept wondering how it would be waking up early and facing the camera at 7 am but I guess the adrenalin rush keeps you going." Ishqiyaan also stars Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi.