Vidya Balan set tongues wagging with her portrayal of a sex siren in Milan Luthria’s The Dirty Picture (2011). After winning accolades and numerous awards for her role, Vidya now has another feather to add to her hat — her character in the film has become a case study for lecturers at the
prestigious Tata Institute of Social Science (TISS), Mumbai.
“Though her character raised many eyebrows, everyone was awed by the way she carried it off,” says an insider from the institute.
This was the primary reason why it became such an evident example and topic of discussion at the institute. “Sociologists from TISS who undertake projects that focus on research that, among other things, influences policy and social practices, also agreed with her character’s observations in the film,” adds the insider.
‘I am extremely proud of the film’
For The Dirty Picture, Vidya won the National Award for the best actress in 2012 and she is no less proud and excited to learn of this new development. The actor was sure that her performance would push the barriers of propriety in Indian cinema. “Milan was very clear that we were to feel respect for her and respect only comes from being accepting and non-judgmental,” says Vidya.
Vidya is proud to know that her performance is being discussed by academics. “The Dirty Picture will always be amongst the films I’m extremely proud of. I found it liberating to play Silk, a woman who was unapologetic about her sexuality and the choices she makes,” says Vidya.The film also starred Emraan Hashmi, Tusshar Kapoor and Naseeruddin Shah, who played one of her love interests in the film.