Meet actress who gained 12 kgs, became chain smoker for blockbuster, was rejected by superstar, it earned Rs 117 crores
This movie was rejected by Kangana Ranaut, and it gave a big boost to the career of an actress who took risks and became a superstar by accepting such bold roles.
The still from the blockbuster that was rejected by Kangana Ranaut
One actor’s miss is another actor’s big gain. This is apt for Vidya Balan who accepted a film that was rejected by a superstar. She decided to lead a film that was considered way too bold at that time. As the National Award-winning actress turned 46, we look back at her best decision of accepting a film that boosted her career to new heights.
The Dirty Picture: Vidya Balan’s biggest blockbuster
In 2011, producer Ekta Kapoor collaborated with director Milan Lutharia on The Dirty Picture, a biographical film based on the life of south siren Silk Smitha. The Dirty Picture was led by Vidya Balan, who played Reshma/ Silk, along with Naseeruddin Shah, Emraan Hashmi, Tusshar Kapoor, and Anju Mahendru in key roles.
The Dirty Picture was rejected by…
As per the media reports, The Dirty Picture was rejected by Kangana Ranaut. Reportedly, Vidya Balan wasn’t the first choice for the role, and the makers did approach Kangana Ranaut and Bipasha Basu for Reshma. But both actresses rejected the role.
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Vidya Balan became a chain smoker due to the film?
For her character preparation, Vidya Balan gained 12 kilos for the role. She even started smoking cigarettes, and after the film ended, she became a chain smoker. While appearing on Unfiltered with Samdish, Vidya said, “I don’t think I should say this on camera but I enjoy smoking. If you told me that there is no harm that a cigarette would do then I would have become a smoker. I love the smell of smoke. Even at bus stops in my college days, I would sit next to people who would smoke. After The Dirty Picture, I got addicted. I would smoke 2-3 cigarettes a day.”
The Dirty Picture box office collection
The movie was released in cinemas in December 2011, and it met with positive responses from critics and audiences. Made in the reported budget of Rs 28 crores, the film grossed Rs 117 crores worldwide. Vidya also won the Best Actress National Award for her role as Silk.
