This blockbuster was rejected by Kangana Ranaut, lead actress became chain smoker, gained 12 kilos, movie earned...

In 2011, producer Ekta Kapoor collaborated with director Milan Lutharia with 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. 

As per the news reports, 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. 

As per Sacnilk, The Dirty Picture was made on a budget of Rs 28 crores, the film grossed Rs 116 crores worldwide, making it a sensational blockbuster. 

For her character, Vidya Balan reportedly used to smoke 15 cigarettes in 2 hours, and after the film, she became addicted to cigarettes. 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.” 

To play Silk, Vidya Balan gained 12 kilos, and she even became addicted to smoking. Vidya's hard work and dedication towards the film earned her National Film Award for Best Actress at the 59th National Film Awards for her performance in the film. 

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