Vidya Balan departed for Cote d'Azur (the French Riviera) from Mumbai on Sunday (May 12) evening. She will be in Cannes for the next 15 days, attending the 66th edition of arguably the world's most famous film festival. The actor says she is looking forward to watching films and meeting a certain Hollywood star.

How did you react to being selected as a jury member at the Cannes Film Festival?
I didn't react at all, but my family was excited. Before Parineeta (2005), I used to watch one film a night. Ironically, that has dwindled ever since I became an actor. I can't believe I'll be sitting and deliberating with such an august jury, whose films I've seen since childhood. There'll be a lot to learn and to enjoy. To represent Indian cinema in its 100th year is a matter of pride.

Going to Cannes is a big honour. Is the hue and cry in India justified? One of our own will be at a celebrated festival, so it's a moment of pride. This means that our films are getting a wider audience. I agree though that it might be a bit overplayed, but we (Indians) tend to overplay a lot of things. I got so many messages when people found out (about my selection at Cannes); it felt like a film of mine had released.

A lot of focus at Cannes is on the clothes. Are you feeling any pressure?
I'm not feeling any pressure. I'm just going to celebrate everything Indian there, like I always do.

Will Siddharth (Roy Kapur, husband) join you?
He has prior commitments, so he's going to try his best; (he will be there) towards the end, most likely.

Who are you most excited to meet at Cannes?
(Pauses)... George Clooney. Only, I'll be meeting him too late in life. But at least I'll meet him (laughs). and yes, Siddharth knows this.