MUMBAI: Vidya Balan is looking like a million dollars. The actress has lost a lot of weight and is gearing up for her first release of the year. Paa, directed by Balki, which is all set to release on 4 December.

Sitting pretty in her favourite attire, a long flowing anarkali and churidar, Vidya tells Businessofcinema.com, "I am glad to have a release this year. It has been a long time, last was Kismat Konnection. And I will always cherish my time with the Bachchans. I have been a huge fan of Mr. Bachchan and it was just such an experience to see him go about his scenes."

In Paa, Balan and Abhishek Bachchan play parents to Amitabh Bachchan, who suffers from an ailment called Progeria. The actress recollects, "I used to see him mutter between shots. Nobody would be around him. I thought that he was talking to him. But Mr. Bachchan was actually rehearsing his lines, completely oblivious of his surroundings. His complete dedication to his profession, at his age and seniority as well as his stature has given me a new lesson in patience. I was a fan, but after working with him, I feel cherished that I could see such an actor working with me at close quarters."

In Paa, Balan too has ample opportunities to showcase her talents. She adds, "There is an age span in the film and I am seen from a young woman to a mother of a child. With Balki at the helm of affairs, each scene is crafted with utmost care. Paa will be a special film for me."

Balan has another release, Ishiqiya, which has got postponed to next year.