Venturing into a new realm of the film world, Bollywood beauty Vidya Balan says she does not fear being tagged as a "porn star."
Balan will be seen in the film "The Dirty Picture," as the alluring Silk Smitha.
Balan will play the character of the southern sex-symbol Vijayalakshmi, better known as Silk Smitha, in an alluring and sensuous avatar in the film directed byMilan Luthria and produced by Ekta Kapoor.
According to sources, in the film, Vidya will be seen, clad in a skimpy red blouse, with three men, Naseerudin Shah, Emran Hashmi and Tusshar Kapoor.
"The Dirty Picture" will be a non-explicit account of the life of the doomed sex-symbol, Silk Smitha. The film will not focus on the tragedy behind the mask of the sex-symbol, Vijayalakshmi.
Expressing her optimistic view of the role, Vidya said, "I think I am an actor playing a character Silk Smitha. I don't think there is a possibility of that tag being attached to me. I just hope it adds another shade to me as an actor."
Sex icon Silk Smitha was a popular item girl who mesmerized a million hearts. The actor was found dead in her Chennai apartment in 1996.
Vijayalakshmi, a small town girl, reached the ultimate symbol of sensuality in Southern cinema with her dance numbers and bold performances. Film critics have often referred to her as a "soft porn" actress.
While talking about the film, Kapoor says, "My film is not inspired by any one of them, but is a reflection of an era when they used their sexuality to carve a niche for themselves in the male-dominated South film industry."
"Many frowned upon them, but they were survivors and their power over the masses cannot be denied," she added.
The film is slated to release on Smitha's birthday, Dec. 2.
