By Jilawatan

Bollywood’s curvy lass Vidya Balan is learning Salsa, the sensuous Latin American dance form, for her upcoming film Dirty Picture, which is based on the life of Silk Smitha, yesteryear sex bomb of Tamil cinema.
According to buzz, Vidya is shooting for the movie and learning the sexy moves as well. She feels that Salsa will help her get Silk Smitha’s languid body language for the role. The Ekta Kapoor-produced film is being directed by Milan Luthria and stars Naseeruddin Shah, Emraan Hashmi and Tusshar Kapoor.

Vidya is surely going to set the screen on fire with Dirty Picture!

By Jilawatan

Vidya Balan doesn’t want to take chances with The Dirty Picture. Director Milan Luthria created a separate space in his office to help Naseeruddin Shah and her prepare for their characters and rehearse their scenes together.

News is that the area has been kept out-of-bounds for everyone on Vidya’s behest. Luthria admits, “She told me she isn’t comfortable with people walking in and out of the place, and couldn’t concentrate on her work. She asked if I could keep the space out-of-bounds for others, and I agreed.”

The rehearsals have been on for three weeks now and will continue for at least two more. The special room’s door has a ‘Do Not Disturb’ tag too with an attendant from Luthria’s production team guarding it. “No one is allowed inside it. Sometimes, I peep into the room, but generally avoid going in since they get paranoid,” says the director.

Vidya and Naseer have been working to get comfortable with each other, especially for their intimate scenes. They are also checking out their make-up, hairdos and costumes, and going through details of their photo shoots and prosthetics. “We’re not sure if we’ll eventually use prosthetics in the film. They are also trying South Indian-styled choreography. I can just tell you it won’t be a spoof,” says Luthria.

Vidya is also ‘a bit anxious’ about getting into the glamorous Silk Smitha’s shoes in the film produced by Ekta Kapoor. Apparently, the costumes, comprising hot pants, low necks and petticoats, freaked her out.
Eventually, she’s taken a couple of sets of clothes from the film’s wardrobe home to get comfortable. Luthria is all praises: “Vidya is positive about it. She heavily relies on her directors to guide her through her characters, which helps the project a lot.”

By Jilawatan

Vidya Balan, who starred with Naseeruddin Shah in Ishqiya, will soon share screen-space with the actor in Milan Luthria’s Dirty Picture.

The shooting of the film is slated to begin this month but Vidya, who is a little nervous about her dancing skills, has already started rehearsing with Naseer and the choreographer at Milan’s office in Mumbai.

Besides Dirty Picture, Vidya will also be seen in a different avatar in Santosh Sivan’s highly-anticipated Urumi and will have cameos in Rohan Sippy’s Dum Maaro Dum and Anees Bazmee’s Thank You.

Apart from her contemporaries who can’t stop raving about her, it seems like the talented artiste has found a new fan in Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman. When the actress, who recently met Hugh at FICCI, and also collected the Best Actress Award for Ishqiya from him, asked him whether he would like to be paired opposite her in Ishqiya 2, Hugh answered in the affirmative! Way to go, Vidya!

Amitabh Bachchan , who is presently shooting in Mumbai for Bbuddah-Hoga Tera Baap —his home production— took time out from his busy schedule to cheer for Team India in the ICC World Cup finals without actually watching the match.

A superstitious Big B believed that every time he had switched on the television to check the score during the previous matches, India had lost a wicket! So, this time around, he chose to sit in another room and asked his son Abhishek to constantly update him about the score.

By Jilawatan

Vidya Balan has always been linked to her heroes. But once all her films release, the link ups too fade away. She has never declared her love for anyone openly. Or is it that Vidya is unable to keep them hooked to her?

This time Vidya got linked to her producer buddy. And now she smartly evades accepting being even friendly to Siddarth Roy Kapoor. “I wish my life was really happening and as colourful as painted by the media. To tell you frankly, my life is very dull. I am a plain Jane who is purely professional. Yet all work makes this Jane cheerful,” says Vidya.

Then what kind of relationship she shares with Siddarth Roy Kapoor? As the clichéd goes, is he ‘just a good friend’ or much more than that? “He is the producer of my latest released film ‘No One Killed Jessica’ and that’s all I know,” retorts the actress.

But this is the very first time she got linked up with a producer. Whom would she love to be linked up with if she is not friendly with Siddarth, as the beauty claims? This time Vidya tries to laugh it out saying, “Oh, I would love to be linked with Amitji (Amitabh Bachchan) but no one did so! Also while working with Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi during ‘Ishqiya’ no one ever thought of linking me up with them. So it is nice. When the right time comes and I decide to mingle with the opposite sex, I shall let you guys know.”

That was diplomatically correct. Being in the industry for so long and having known all the workaround everywhere, Vidya has even learnt how to tackle the sensitive and controversial issues. “I was just fourteen when I had this crush on my sister’s friend. I would keep waiting for him to come and meet my sister. But one fine day I was damn depressed as he disclosed the fact that he was in love with her. My dreams of this mushy love were shattered altogether,” says Vidya trying to sideline the issue.

Talking about relationship Vidya turns philosophical and says, “We need to value people a lot irrespective of the way a person is related to us. One needs to learn to love and respect that person. Giving and sharing bring you closer to your beloved. Lesser expectations take your relationship to greater heights,” trying to steer clear from the Siddharth Kapoor question. But the actress doesn’t forget to send her message across to her alleged boyfriend as she turns the ambassador for the Earth Hour. She says, “If Siddarth Roy Kapoor follows my advice and keeps the lights off for one hour on the Earth Hour Day then probably I would like to declare my friendship to him.” Well, at least she accepts some interaction with him.

Taking the opportunity we immediately quiz her if there’s any special way she would like to make an appeal to Kapoor to which Vidya replies, “My appeal to him would be as normal as I am making an appeal to each one of you right now,” giving us a hint that she might not want to declare her friendship with Siddarth openly.

Having said that, Vidya lets us in on her growing up years. Reminiscing her childhood memories, she says, “I remember right from my childhood days I would not be allowed by my mom to keep the lights and fans on if no one would be there in the room. I am into this practice of not letting the AC, lights and fans switched on unnecessarily. While many of my friends don’t bother much, I don’t believe in wasting electricity.” Talking about being in the dark, Vidya suddenly turns romantic and says, “Without lights I obviously turn nostalgic and romantic.”

Will then she prefer being with Sid, we quiz? Vidya laughs aloud and replies with a straight “no”.

By Jilawatan

Vidya Blan, Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad Warsi will return as lead stars in a sequel to Ishqiya, Shemaroo and Vishal Bhardwaj announced on March 18.

According to the Mumbai Mirror, Abhishek Chaubey is being retained as the film’s director and is giving final touches to the script.

There is a talk of adding a couple of more actors to the lead cast.

Vishal Bahrdwaj will score the music, while Gulzar will pen the lyrics.

Filming is scheduled to begin mid 2011.

According to unconfirmed reports, the sequel is set in Mumbai, with Vidya Balan playing a bold urban woman willing to break social norms.

The original film, released in 2010, was set in the rustic region of Gorakhpur in UP. It revolved around three romantic personalities played by Warsi, Balan and Shah.

Balan played a potty mouthed scheming widow, two-timing an uncle and nephew duo of small-time crooks from Bhopal, played by Shah and Warsi.

Stellar performance by the three stars made the film a huge success; it was screened at prestigious international film festivals including the 34th Cairo International Film Festival.

By Jilawatan

Bollywood actress Vidya Balan, who essays the role of Silk Smitha in The Dirty Picture, says that portraying the southern seductress will not be a difficult job for her.

“I don’t think it is difficult to portray a real-life character like Silk Smitha. People know her through her work,

However, the actress said it would be challenging to portray characters of prominent personalities.

“It would be challenging if I play a character based on Indira Gandhi as people know her mannerisms and you can’t go wrong for a person of this stature who was a Prime Minister. She continues to be a prominent person. Even in that case to play Amitabh Bachchan would be challenging,” she said.

“With Silk Smitha it is going to be more of my personal interpretation than her impersonation,” she added.

Portraying real-life characters is not a new thing for the Ishiqiya girl, who played Sabrina Lal in her previous film No One Killed Jessica.

In Milan Luthria’s The Dirty Picture, a biopic based on the life and death of Silk Smitha, Vidya would be seen in a complete different avatar, alongside Emraan Hashmi, Tusshar Kapoor and Naseeruddin Shah.

The film is an ode to the life of the southern sexy siren Vijaylakshmi, better known as Silk Smitha, and her journey to stardom followed by her sudden demise, the actress said.

Vijaylakshmi reached iconic status as a sex symbol in Tamil cinema. Appearing in over 200 films, the young actor was neck deep in controversies and eventually died at the age of 33. It is suspected that she committed suicide.

“On my part I would do research on her. I have seen her songs and films on south Indian channels. She spelt sex,” the 33-year-old Vidya said.

Shooting for the film begins next month.

Vidya, who went de-glam wearing loose and ill-fitting shirts in No One Killed Jessica, would now be seen in an alluring avatar in The Dirty Picture.

However, the actress says she is least bothered about being glamorous or non-glamorous.

“I don’t see or define a role as glamorous and non-glamorous. I am getting to play a completely different person and that is what is exciting for me. Glamorous and non-glamorous does not matter to me. The script is the queen. I feel even the saree is extremely glamorous and sexy,” she said.

By Jilawatan

From playing a crusader of justice in “No One Killed Jessica” Vidya Balan will now be seen in the role of a sexy siren in “Dirty Picture”.

She will appear in a very bold avatar in the film. “It doesn’t get bolder than this”, states Vidya.

She told reporters “I have to work hard to portray the character of Silk Smitha because there is no similarity between us. It is really interesting that you play a character, which is totally different from you. I am very excited.”

Her character of Silk Smitha has been inspired by the late sex bomb who committed suicide.

In an interview Vidya stated “I loved the script and was almost shocked that they (Milan and Balaji) thought of me. I was shocked and thrilled because she is so unlike me. Silk Smitha’s sexuality is on your face. It is almost offensive.”

She added “Dirty Picture is an apt title for the movie. It is reflective of our perception of her. We feel that she could not have made a pretty picture.”

In the film Vidya and Naseeruddin Shah will be seen indulging in a lovemaking scene.

The duo had earlier done love making scenes in Vishal Bharadwaj’s “Ishqiya” but this film requires Vidya to get more passionate and intimate with Naseeruddin.

The love making scenes in this film will not be titillation but pure romance.

By Jilawatan

One thing about Vidya Balan is that she loves experimenting with different roles. And this was quite evident in the roles the actress picked for the US president Barack Obama, which she would like to see him enact.
Vidya chosed Amitabh’s character in ‘Paa’, SRK’s role from his super successful film ‘Chak De! India’ and the romantic role of Naseeruddin Shah in ‘Ishqiya’.

Vidya wanted to meet Obama
Buzz has it that the ‘Paa’ actress Vidya Balan was all keyed up about meeting the US president’s Barack Obama in Mumbai, if given a chance but knows that it’s not possible.

While speaking about his visit and the characters that she would like Obama to play, Vidya stated, “It would be a pick out of three…I’d love to see him play Amitabh Bachchan’s character in Paa for sure. It’s a challenge, but I’m sure he’d be up to it. I also see him fit the bill as Shah Rukh’s inspiring role in Chak De and also that of a helpless romantic as Naseeruddin Shah was in Ishqiya.”

Apart from films, the actress if given an opportunity would like to take Obama to the film city and show him, what happens behind the scenes of Hindi films.

Vidya and Rani don’t share a cordial relationship
Both Vidya and Rani together might share a great friendship with their favorite designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee, but it’s believed that they don’t like talking to each other.

According to the latest reports, Vidya and Rani might be playing sisters in their upcoming film ‘No One Killed Jessica’, but the two co-stars don’t even interact with each other or discuss their scenes.

Incidentally, sources have revealed that Rani throws her attitude of a super senior and seems to carry that tag around and makes it difficult for her co-stars to approach her.

Speaking about Vidya and Rani, sources stated, “Rani and Vidya have shot most of their scenes together. There were times when they were the only actors on the sets but still they would not sit and chat after the director called cut. Not even the breaks on the sets inspired them to interact with each other or discuss their scenes.”

By Jilawatan

Bollywood’s bombshell and one of the sexiest actresses alive Priyanka Chopra can invite a whole herd of male with just a wink of her twinkling eye. From Harman to a possible Shahid, Priyanka has cast her spell on one and all.

But, an old man is giving the younger brigade a run for their money. The veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah will rouse jealousy in our burning hearts as, pretty soon, we shall sulkily watch him enjoying the bed with the sexy Priyanka on her side.
In ‘Saat Khoon Maaf’, he plays her eldest husband and despite a 3 decade gap, Priyanka has, effortlessly, got steamy with him. Sultry, suave Priyanka, herself, whispers, “Naseer sir and I had worked together many years ago in an espionage film called Asambhav. I remember I would look at his feet while talking to him; I was in awe. This recent experience was a completely different one. If it weren’t for his acting skills, I would have been petrified even now.”
Recently, ‘Ishqiya’ saw Vidya Balan lock lips with the legendary Naseeruddin. And now, Priyanka shall sizzle along with him, though, reports of a lip-kiss haven’t yet surfaced. All in all, Naseeruddin Sir’s stars are burning bright and beautiful at the moment……..

By Jilawatan

Mahie Gill, who will be in town to play the love interest of Naseeruddin Shah in Ribhu Dasgupta’s Michael, tells TOI that she shouldn’t be compared to Ishqiya’s Vidya Balan

You’ve been paired opposite Naseeruddin Shah in Michael…
He is a great actor and one of my favourites. Right from Masoom to A Wednesday!, I’ve been following all his movies. Amazing is the word that I can use to describe him. One of the biggest compliments that I received for Dev D came from him when he said that he liked my work. I was supposed to do another film with him titled Surmaiyee Shaam. I had met him twice for that film. It was to be directed by Brahmanand Singh but the film isn’t happening anyone. Thank God, Ribhu cast me in Michael. I can even play an extra with Naseer Sir. But then, I’m nervous.

Your character shares a romantic angle with Shah. Isn’t the comparison with Ishqiya obvious?
In Michael, I play a nurse who is attached to Naseer Sir and his son. He is a widower. There is some chemistry between the two of us though it’s very subtle. I don’t think my role can be compared to that of Vidya Balan in Ishqiya.

Are Hindi films more open these days about exploring the romance between an older man and a younger woman?
Age has nothing to do with romance. I don’t know Naseer Sir’s age but I think he can deliver any role given to him. Lamhe and Black too had explored the relationship between the older man and younger woman. But yes, today, there’s a lot more interest in exploring such relationships on-screen. Films have changed, so have audiences’ acceptance level.

Besides Michael , you’ve also done Dabangg. Is it the same Anurag Kashyap connection that prompted you to accept the film?
I did it for Dabangg’s director, Abhinav (Anurag’s brother). He is a friend. I’ve been cast opposite Arbaaz Khan. Mine is just a two-scene role where I have to romance him.

Since you’ve been attached to films like Dev.D, Gulaal and Paan Singh Tomar, how does it feel when you do mainstream cinema?
The language and acting pattern of realistic films are different from that of commercial movies. I started off doing realistic cinema. Hence, I find it easier doing them. PST releases in August and I’m optimistic about it. I’m open to doing both kinds of movies. I want to grow as a complete actor. Both the genres have their own challenges and I’m ready to try both.

Some actors claim that doing realistic movies alone isn’t enough for survival since they need to maintain a certain lifestyle. Apart from the growth of an actor, does economical reasons also govern your choice of doing commerical movies?
Money is important. Thankfully, I am being paid well even in the kind of movies that I do. I am happy with the kind of money I am getting. These are small-budget films and I am being paid according to the budget of the movie. I am not a party-goer and hence, not a high maintenance person. I am pretty much happy with the kind of money that I’m earning.

Among the Bollywood heroines, who are your role models now?
Among the younger lot, I think Kangna, Konkona and Vidya are good actors. While Priyanka is very hardworking, Kareena has star appeal.

When do you come down to Kolkata to shoot?
I’ll be in town on July 29 or July 30. I am looking forward to my stay in Kolkata. I’ve usually come down to the city for a day and have never got time to enjoy myself. I’ve some friends in Kolkata and am looking forward to enjoying Bengali cuisine too.