South Indian actor Priyamani recently spoke candidly about her personal connection with Bollywood star Vidya Balan, revealing that despite being second cousins, they have “never been on talking terms.” In an interview with CNN-News18, Priyamani clarified the nature of their relationship while expressing admiration for Vidya’s talent.

Family Ties, But Limited Interaction

Priyamani and Vidya Balan are related through their grandfathers, who were brothers, making them second cousins. Despite this familial connection, Priyamani explained that their communication has been minimal. “We have never been on talking terms in that way, even though we are related. However, I speak more to her father. Balan uncle is in regular contact with me, and when he can’t get through to me, he calls my father and they chat,” she said.

While their personal interactions may be limited, Priyamani did not hold back her admiration for her cousin’s craft. “Vidya Balan is a phenomenal actor; the mutual admiration is always there. I can’t wait for her to come back on screens. As an audience member, I really miss the powerful actor that she is,” she added.

Vidya Balan’s Recent Work

Vidya Balan was last seen in the 2024 horror-comedy Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, directed by Anees Bazmee. The film, starring Kartik Aaryan, Madhuri Dixit, and Triptii Dimri, clashed at the box office with Ajay Devgn and Rohit Shetty’s Singham Again but emerged as a commercial success, earning ₹389.28 crore worldwide. Vidya has yet to announce her next project.

Priyamani’s Current and Upcoming Projects

Priyamani continues to have a busy slate across Malayalam and Tamil cinema. She was most recently seen in the Malayalam action thriller Officer on Duty, starring Kunchacko Boban, Vishak Nair, and Jagadish. Her next major film is H. Vinoth’s Jana Nayagan, featuring Vijay, Pooja Hegde, and Bobby Deol in lead roles, along with Mamitha Baiju, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Prakash Raj, and Narain in pivotal roles. Jana Nayagan is expected to release in January 2026 and is reported to be Vijay’s final film before entering politics.

In addition, Priyamani will reprise her role in Raj & DK’s The Family Man Season 3, which stars Manoj Bajpayee, Sharib Hashmi, and Jaideep Ahlawat. The series is slated for release in November 2025, though the exact date has not been confirmed.

Despite the lack of a close personal relationship, Priyamani’s statements underscore a mutual respect for talent within the family, highlighting that admiration for each other’s craft can exist independently of personal closeness.