Parag Maniar (BOMBAY TIMES; June 17, 2014)

After coming up with promotional strategies for Kahaani and The Dirty Picture, Vidya Balan is actively involved in mar keting her next, Bobby Jasoos. Her idea, to start a gossip blog - Bobby Ko Sab Malum Hai (http://bobbyjasoos.tumblr.com/) - has generated much curiosity among film buffs and B-Towners.

For example, the trivia of a producer with three back-to-back hits pairing up with a director known for love stories has launched a guessing game. When asked if it was asli khabar or just a figment When asked if it was asli khabar or just a figment of Bobby's imagination, Vidya says laughing, “It is as true as any piece of gossip is or could be.“

Ever since the piece has been uploaded, it has drawn reactions. The actress says, “I have got so many calls since its launch. In fact, a lot of people called to check if the persons written about were so-and-so. Many want me to reveal my sources and are even keen to know what my next scoop is going to be. The funniest part is, people are even volunteering information. I have 10-12 andar ki khabar that will be uploaded and I am snooping for more info."

About her inspiration to start the blog, Vidya explains, “From the time I signed up for the film, I would be asked which Bollywood celebrity I would like to do jasoosi on. That set me thinking and I came up with this blog, which gave me a legitimate excuse to spy. And in this case, they're just harmless tidbits. Everyone loves gossip." Considering the fact that such a marketing strategy has rarely been adopted, did she feel apprehensive? “We are all interested in knowing what is happening in others' lives. And I was sure this would work," she sums up.