Vidya Balan refused other films for Dirty Picture

Unlike a bevy of actors, Vidya — during the shooting of The Dirty Picture — made sure she focused on one film instead of multiple projects. Also, since she had put on weight for her role, she apparently couldn’t take up other films.

Way back in January, Vidya Balan hit the silver screens with No One Killed Jessica. And although her next film, The Dirty Picture would open only in December, she has been in no hurry to start fresh films.

Unlike a bevy of actors, Vidya — during the shooting of The Dirty Picture — made sure she focused on one film instead of multiple projects. Also, since she had put on weight for her role, she apparently couldn’t take up other films.

Says The Dirty Picture director Milan Luthria: “Yes, Vidya had put on several kilos to portray the required look of a full-figured person. She left no stone unturned in giving her best,” he says.

Luthria is also all praises for the actor’s exceptional show of professionalism. “She made sure that she doesn’t take up or start other movies during the shooting of The Dirty Picture.” Before the shoot started, the actor also actively participated in the pre-production work which included 40-50 look tests, workshops and innumerable meetings.

“Vidya is one actor who never complains. You will always find her in a good mood,” insists Luthria, adding that getting Vidya accustomed to the “bold physicality” was a bit tough. Makers have also used prosthetics to make Vidya look fuller.

Although many have labelled the Ekta Kapoor-produced film’s promos as ‘bold’, Luthria insists that it’s a masala Bollywood film. “I knew that just making it shocking is not enough for audiences to enjoy the movie. It has to be entertaining too. Vidya got it all together perfectly” says Luthria, whose film is being seen as a biopic on Silk Smitha, Indian cinema’s bold and controversial actor of 1980s.