In a candid revelation, acclaimed Bollywood actress Vidya Balan revisited the hurdles she faced when offered the role of Silk Smitha in the groundbreaking film, “The Dirty Picture.” Speaking at the 54th International Film Festival of India in Goa, Balan shared that she had encountered skepticism from those around her who warned that embracing such a bold character could spell doom for her career.

Recalling the cautionary voices, Balan disclosed, “There were some people who told me, ‘Are you sure? It’s going to ruin your career. It may actually spell the end of your career because you know you have been Miss Goody two shoes.’” Unfazed by the prospect of receiving the label of “Miss Goody Two Shoes,” Balan asserted that she had no interest in adhering to a stereotype. Despite her relatively short stint in the industry, she expressed her desire to explore diverse roles, challenging herself as an actor.

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The actress recounted her initial disbelief when approached by director Milan Luthria for the role. “The first time Milan Luthria came to me, mujhe laga ki, ‘Aap ghalat darwaaze pe toh nahi aagaye (Are you sure about it)?’ Because I wouldn’t believe that someone would actually offer me this role,” she admitted. Balan went on to highlight her burning desire to undertake unconventional challenges and accomplish feats that others might not associate with her. Her confidence in her abilities drove her decision to accept the role instinctively.

Reflecting on the experience, Balan emphasized that the thrill of portraying Silk Smitha stemmed from her passion for pushing boundaries and defying expectations. “There was this burning desire to do things that people couldn’t imagine I could do but I knew I could do. I was thrilled to bits when the film came to me. I said yes instinctively,” she stated.

Vidya Balan’s journey in “The Dirty Picture” not only challenged societal norms but also became a pivotal moment in her career, proving that taking risks and embracing unconventional roles can lead to artistic triumphs. The actress’s recollections at the film festival shed light on the courage and conviction required to navigate the nuanced landscape of the Indian film industry.