. Is there more in store for Bollywood's thinking actress? Life is currently a bed of roses for Vidya Balan .

She ruled the roost in 2011. And the precision with which she did it almost seems like she had it planned.

She started with No One Killed Jessica (NOKJ) in January last year and ended it with a bang with The Dirty Picture (TDP) in December. Both were biopics; in one, she played the subdued Sabrina Lal, sister of the slain model Jessica Lal; and in the other she played garrulous cabaret girl Silk Smitha .

Both characters were far removed from each other and what Vidya brought to them was her expertise as an actor, making Sabrina and Silk as real as one can get. While other top league actresses concentrated on being some Khan's arm candy on screen or chose money over matter; Vidya, with her immense self confidence, chose the path of National Award-winning actresses like Tabu and Konkana Sen Sharma , in her career choices.

On the personal front, she found love. The producer of NOKJ, Siddharth Roy Kapur and Vidya are now reportedly an item and will marry sometime in 2012, according to the grapevine.

Speaking on the occasion of her 34th birthday, Milan adds, "Vidya is the new braveheart in town. She has raw talent mixed with courage of conviction - this heady mix makes her a director's delight.

Hers is the only way to be in our chaotic industry. I would tell you: 'follow your gut and unleash you talent.

' I can guarantee more memorable performances in store for her, million of fans worldwide and many awards for her shelf!" Reason: replicating that kind of euphoria twice over could prove tough. One is sure that when Vidya celebrated her birthday on January 1, this thought must have most certainly crossed her mind (less)