Vidya's guided tour in an iron foundry

Vidya Balan has been stationed in Wai (close to Mahableshwar) for Vishal Bhardwaj's Ishqiya (directed by Abhishek Choubey) for the last couple of months. Since there isn't a lot to do in the village in terms of recreation; last week, the actress decided to take her chances with whatever was available. She visited an iron foundry!

Says a source, "Last week the crew was shooting in an iron foundry (which makes automotive castings) on Satara Road near Wai. Even though Vidya wasn't required for the scene, she dropped in and requested the manager on duty to take her on a guided tour of the factory."

It is believed that the actress spent a lot of time walking around and asked questions about how the foundry worked. "She even put on a helmet and went close to the melting pot where the iron castings are melted. It was blazingly hot and dangerous too, but Vidya bravely stood there," reveals a source from the unit.

Vidya affirms, "I was curious. It was amazing to see how steel is melted at a temperature of 1500-degree celsius, how it was cast in moulds and how automobile parts finally turns out."

She admits standing close to the melting pot but says it was not dangerous, "I was at a safe distance because the sparks were flying around in all directions. What's amazing was how the workers comfortably walk over moulding stoves without hurting themsleves. I've got an inquisitive mind and enjoy learning small things. I think it would be a wasted opportunity if I came back not knowing where I went."