The Dirty Picture on the sex icon's b'day

'The Dirty Picture' directed by Milan Luthria is a music-packed, humorous and unabashed biopic on Southern siren Silk Smitha that traces her life including the controversial romances.

Born Vijayalakshimi in to a poor family in Eluru in Andhra Pradesh, she left school early, driven to become a movie star. Going in with her aunt in Chennai, she soon found a sponsor who re-named her Smitha.

After garnering much notice and acclaim with her first major role in the Tamil movie, 'Vandi Chakkaram' in 1979, Smitha assumed the name Silk, after the name of her character.

Silk Smitha was a big South Indian sensation, known for her bold and daring erotica on celluloid. Film makers could not imagine releasing a film without a titillating song or cameo by Smitha as She was every film maker's lucky charm.

Her most popular role is 'Layanam' (Malayalam, 1989) directed by Thulasidas. In fact 'Layanam' became so famous that it was remade in Hindi as the controversial 'Reshma Ki Jawani.'

The tragic life and death of Silk Smitha, the sex siren who became an inseparable part of South Indian cinema will decidedly make for an interesting view.

Producer Ekta Kapoor's biopic on Silk Smitha is titled 'The Dirty Picture' and being inspired by the actress, Ekta roped in Vidya Balan for the main role.

'The Dirty Picture' directed by Milan Luthria, believes the choice of Vidya Balan to portray Silk Smitha is a casting coup of sorts.

Vidya who has stood on her own in heroine oriented films like 'Parineeta' and 'Ishqiya' now has the tough task of breathing life into Silk Smitha's complex and tragic journey from poor village girl to popular soft porn actress.

'The Dirty Picture' starring Vidya Balan in the lead role with Naseeruddin Shah, Emraan Hashmi and Tusshar Kapoor, will be released on December 2 on the birth anniversary of the sex icon Silk Smitha.

Emraan gets dirty with Vidya

After being tagged as the undisputed serial kisser of Bollywood, Emraan Hashmi is now fast earning a reputation of being the biggest prankster too.

During the shoot of Ekta Kapoor's Dirty Picture in Hyderabad, the actor played a 'dirty' prank on the film's leading lady, Vidya Balan.

A source from the crew recounts, "One day, photo shoots were happening with Vidya, Emraan and Tushar (Kapoor) at the studio. While Vidya was shooting pictures in a complete Silk Smitha get up, with a plunging neckline and a short skirt, Emraan was fairly free and just hanging around. To get Vidya in the mood to shoot those sensuous pictures, some English music was being played."

While all this was happening, Emraan decided to pull a prank on Vidya. He held a glass of soft drink in his hands, pretended it was alcohol and started ogling at her. He even started winking and making faces at her.

"Vidya was baffled. Looking at the glass in Emraan's hand, she thought he was drunk and asked him not to distract her. To this, he quickly added, 'But what to do, you are looking very hot.' Vidya got really hassled with his behaviour and complained to the production managers," the source added.

She asked them to whisk him away, or she would leave. Seeing Vidya seething with rage, a production guy couldn't control himself and burst into laughter.

Soon everyone on the sets, including Emraan, joined him.

"Vidya was bewildered to see everyone laughing, but soon realised that she was made a bakra. She turned red with embarrassment, " the crew member said.

We wonder who Emraan's next victim will be.

Bulls eye on Vidya Balan

Bollywood actress Vidya Balan had a horrendous experience while shooting for her keenly awaited film THE DIRTY PICTURE.

Vidya balan was wearing a red gown for an outdoor scene being shot in Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad.

Apparently two bulls, who happened to stray into the sets had the unit in splits, till they decided to dash towards an amused Vidya, given their attraction for the red on her gown.

While co-stars Emraan Hashmi and Tusshar Kapoor couldn't stop laughing, before the two bulls could get to Vidya, a few local production guys intervened and led the excited animals away.

Ready for anything if the role demands : Vidya

We Know Vidya Balan doesn't shy away from going an extra mile to do justice to the characters she portrays in films. This particular trait of hers was put to test again when Milan Luthria- the director of her much- hyped upcoming movie The Dirty Picture- told her that one of the scenes in the film would require her to lock lips with Bollywood's erstwhile serial- kisser Emraan Hashmi.

And while everyone thought she would put her foot down in refusal - her previous onscreen smooches notwithstanding - Vidya willingly agreed, the true professional that she is. It must be a refreshing change for Emraan surely, as some of his recent heroines, including newbie Prachi Desai, had refused to become a part of his long- list of onscreen kissers.

But, Vidya who had promised The Dirty Picture 's filmmakers that she would do everything possible to get under the skin of the character of Silk Smitha - the late southern siren whose life the movie seeks to depict - has no such hang- ups.

Recent reports have confirmed Vidya's dedication towards bringing to life the challenging and unconventional role, which necessitates much more than a little skin show by the actress.

Infact, Vidya didn't even complain when she was asked to 'light up' for the movie. Despite being a non- smoker, she had to smoke nearly ten cigarettes before a particular scene was finally okayed by Luthria. The actress had started feeling uneasy after her fourth cigarette, but after a brief break, was back to shooting the scene again.

Yana Vs Jaqueline

The Bhatts have triggered off a war between Yana and Jacqueline Fernandez.

Zara Kareeb Se, an item song that was picturised on Yana for Murder 2 is now being aired starring Fernandez and co-star Emraan Hashmi.

Interestingly, when the song first got a face lift, director Mohit Suri had reportedly said that Yana's song was "too gory" to be shown on television.

Now the explanation for her absence has been completely changed.

"I didn't want to disclose villain Prashant Narayanan's identity to be released before the film and Yana's version had her dancing with the villain," said Suri.

The truth is much simpler.

"Jacqueline is now the new blue-eyed Bhatt girl. She is already been signed for Raaz 3 and will probably be acting in Murder 3 too," reported the source.

After the success of Murder 2, actor Jacqueline Fernandez's looks in Murder 2 has made a mark.

When asked, if she had to expose in the sequel because Mallika Sherawat had done so in the original movie, she said, “I agree”.

“Bollywood is ruthless. It is a difficult place to be in, but if you keep going and keep a level head, you will be fine,” concluded Jaqueline who is still struggling to master Hindi with no godfather in the industry.

Yana being left in the cold, however sounded stoic, when asked about the episode.

"Of course I would have loved for my version to be aired. I hope it will be at some point. But it's not my song, you know. It's just a job. I gave it my best shot and what happens to it later is not for me to decide," concluded Yana.

Mr. & Ms. Smooch - Emraan & Vidya

What happens when the official 'serial kisser' of B-Town and an actress popular for her oomph factor ever since she entered the industry get together?

Yes, Emraan Hashmi and Vidya Balan, who star together in Milan Luthria's The Dirty Picture are gearing up to set the screen on fire.

According to sources, Vidya will soon enter the long list of heroines Emraan has lip-locked on screen. Apparently, they would not only have a couple of sizzling scenes in the movie, but also an exceedingly intimate and romantic number together.

However, since this is the first time the two actors have been cast opposite each other, their director, Milan, is trying to do all he can to eliminate any edginess.

It has been learnt that he is first shooting the 'easier' scenes so that they become friendly and comfortable and then film the high-voltage ones.

"Their chemistry needs to be very natural. So Milan decided to schedule the 'sexy' portions for later," says our informer.

Apparently, Emraan, who plays a filmmaker in The Dirty Picture, gets attracted to Vidya, who's portraying a character based on southern sex siren, Silk Smitha.

"She has never played such a character before. So she's working hard to make sure that not the slightest awkwardness comes across on screen," says a source associated with the film.

Since they started shooting, the two actors have cultivated a friendly rapport. It seems Emraan is often cracking jokes in-between shots and Vidya loves his quirky sense of humour.

"In the romantic song that will be shot at Ramoji Rao Film City in Hyderabad, they will be required to lock lips to bring out the love and intimacy their characters share," reveals our source, adding that the other kiss features in a scene they will be shooting after the song.

Director Milan Luthria was unavailable for comment.

Click here for more hot images of Vidya Balan !!

Prachi sheds her inhibitions..

After sizzling on the screen with co-star Emraan Hashmi in Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai, Prachi Desai has apparently decided to get cosy with him again as she has been signed by The Bhatts to play the lead opposite Emraan Hashmi in 'The Informer'.

The Bhatts had cast the lead actors together again pursuing their decision to rework the magic amongst them in Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai. And taking this further up a head, they have been very successfull in convincing Prachi to shed her inhibitions further to suit the role,” confirmed a close friend of the star.

Prachi, who was always known to maintain a demure and girl-next-door image would be seen undergoing a complete makeover with The Bhatts taking the onus to revamp her image. And apparently Prachi has also consented for a whole lot of intimate sequences including kissing and love making scenes with Emraan giving in to The Bhatts' request to sex it up a bit!


Well, actress Jaqueline Fernandez has undoubtedly hit the bull's eye with the same action plan. Now only time will tell if Prachi too would be able to repeat the feat!

Master of Sequels.. & Social Networking...

Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has taken to social networking site Twitter to hunt for a title for his new film, tentatively titled Jannat 2.

"I am looking for an attractive title for my new film staring Kunal Khemu & Amrita Puri. HELP!" Mahesh wrote on Twitter.

Bhatt had previously decided to call the film Jannat 2 but he is now looking for something different.

"Listening to you folks has made me decide not to call my new film Jannat 2. Thank you! Acknowledging others makes them happier & u wiser," Bhatt posted.

Bhatt had earlier used Twitter and Facebook to finalise the main poster for Murder 2, which released last week.

Prachi to don a bikini for the Bhatts

The Bhatts want Prachi Desai to shed her inhibitions in their film Informer with Emraan Hashmi.

They have told her to go bare-dare and get the sexy tag, as they have done with their earlier heroines, Mallika Sherawat, Kangna Ranuat and Jacqueline Fernandes.

Let's see how far Prachi will go with the skin fest; considering that her close bond with mentor Ekta Kapoor has gone kaput, the girl might as well go for a major image makeover.

Uncomfortable in sleeveless tops

It is well known that actress Vidya Balan is playing the South Indian sex siren Silk Smitha in her upcoming biopic titled The Dirty Picture.

Currently, the Bollywood star is busy shooting with Emraan Hashmi for director Milan Luthria`s movie in Hyderabad.

Now, rumours are abuzz that she does not want to wear sleeveless tops for the flick.

Vidya Balan is fully aware of the sexy image of Silk Smitha and she does not have any problem in breaking away from her demure persona to emulate the sexy actress.

Besides erotica, Murder 2 has a surprise element

While ‘Murder 2’ might boast of the beautiful Jacqueline Fernandez playing the female lead, the film also has another hot and sexy lady Sulagna Panigrahi, who will be portraying the character of the vamp in the film.

It’s reported that the Bhatt camp were keen to keep the news of the second leading lady under wraps and made sure that she was never part of the promotional campaign, as they wanted to keep it as a suspense for the audiences.

However, now with the reports of the second sexy siren in 'Murder 2' making the rounds, the film has already started garnering attention as planned by the makers of the film.

Sulagna's Hot photo gallery..

Murder 2 is more on the dark side..

After working in two light hearted affairs Aladin, Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai and an item number (Dhanno), Jacqueline Fernandez is now stepping onto the darker side with 'Murder 2'.

Working with the Bhatts for the first time in the sequel to the 2004 film, Fernandez has steered clear from being her bubbly best.

"There is lot of evil and darkness and Murder 2. Compared to what Anurag (Basu) did in Murder, this one is a very dark film. It is basically Mohit Suri's take on how a subject like murder should be told on screen. The film has a lot to do with the underworld in a Goan setting." said the actress.

In Murder 2, Emraan Hashmi plays a serial killer. Though one waits to see whether the 'serial kisser' element is explored in the film or not, Fernandez admitted that it took her some time before she could adjust to her co-star's ways.

"When you meet him first, he comes across as a lot quieter than what you would imagine. In films he looks like someone who is quite casual with a gift of the gab. However, in real life, he doesn't interact much.

"This left me wondering how both of would us manage to work with each other as I talk so much. I was like 'Oh my God, would I have to keep my mouth shut for most of the times on sets'," she said.

Fortunately for the 26-year-old actress, a photo shoot was held for the two before the film went on floors. This broke the ice between the two and though they didn't quite become thick friends after that, it became a comfortable professional relationship.

"Emraan has an extremely good sense of humour and makes you laugh in the most tense moments. In fact I was amazed at the manner he was kept his cool and was so chilled out even in adverse situations," said Fernandez.

But the Sri Lankan beauty herself didn't have a relaxed time this past year when she didn't have a single release to her name after both Aladin and Jaane Kahan Se Aayi Hai tanked at the box office.

"The waiting period was possibly the most difficult time for me. This feeling is the same for everyone in the industry who is trying to make it big but for me it was a tad more difficult since I am pretty much on my own with no connections whatsoever," said Jacqueline.

Things reached to such a point for her that she had even contemplated quitting the industry.

"I did get to a point where I felt that perhaps Bollywood scene wasn't really there for me. I thought of moving out of this all and step into something altogether different. However, it was my friend circle that stayed on to be my support system. They encouraged me to hang on and said that it was just a matter of time. Glad I listened to them."

The Salman Factor for Shriya..

Shriya Saran recently met Salman Khan when he was in Chennai for the audio release of Markendeyan. The two bonded over a shared passion for all things related to fitness.

Shriya was blown away by the Bollywood superstar's chilled out attitude to life and his friendliness. She suggested that they do a film together and Salman was game. He then had promised her a role in one of his movies in the near future.

The sexy siren made her Bollywood debut with Emraan Hashmi that failed to make an impact. So she wants to make sure that her second innings is off to a good start. And as Salman's heroine, it will be easy for her to make an impression. After all he was the crucial factor in reviving Asin's career.

Shriya is hoping that Salman can do the same for her.

Mankatha is a remake ?

Buzz is that Mankatha is a remake of the Hindi movie Jannat. The media came up with this news because Jannat, which had Emraan Hashmi and Sonal Chauhan playing the lead roles, also dealt with match fixing and bookies.

Reacting to this news, Mankatha’s producer Dhayanidhi Alagiri has said that the news is definitely not true.

He has said that fans will come to know that both the films are very different from each other when Mankatha releases and not to believe in such baseless rumors.

This may be mentioned here that Mankatha also deals with bookies and hence the rumors began circulating.

Jacqueline finds Mallika very sexy

Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez, who has drawn a lot of attention in B-town after having done some steamy scenes in 'Murder 2', recently stated that she finds the original 'Murder' girl Mallika Sherawat strikingly sensuous.

“Well it has to be Mallika Sherawat. I think she’s got an amazing sensuousness about her that is just impossible to match. She is fantastically attractive too,” stated Jacqueline.

"There will be comparisons between me and Mallika" says a humble Jackie.

Jacqueline who has done some bold steamy scenes in ‘Murder 2’, knows for a fact that there would definitely be comparisons between her and actress Mallika after watching the second installment of the film.

However, Jackie makes it clear that she isn’t worried or nervous about this at all as she is quite confident about the brilliant job she has done in ‘Murder 2’.

“Yes, there are bound to be comparisons between Mallika and me. That is normal. I am acting in a sequel to a movie that she has done and, of course, she has done a wonderful job. But no, that is not making me nervous,” said the starlet.

Murder 2 not as sensual as Murder

Insiders insist there isn't much sensual chemistry in Murder 2 and Jacqueline Fernandes features only in an extended special appearance.

Much against the huge claims made by the Bhatts about the eroticism in Murder 2 and the sensationally-cut promos, industry insiders insist that there isn't much steam in the film.

People who have seen the film insist that other than some puffing and panting, there aren't many steamy scenes in the film as such. Most of this is packed in a single song while the remaining film is more of a suspense-thriller. Comparing to the sizzling chemistry between Mallika Sherawat and Emraan Hashmi in the first part, the second is nothing.

So the hoopla that Bhatts made about Jacqueline outdoing Mallika from the original seems to be nothing more than a publicity gimmick. Because the source insists that Jacqueline only has an extended special appearance in the film and will be seen only in the start and end of the thriller.

Jacqueline is bolder than Mallika and Bips?

There's tremendous buzz around Vishesh Films' Murder 2 starring Emraan Hashmi and Jacqueline Fernandez for obvious reasons.

The trade and the public who have now come to expect a staple erotic quotient from the Bhatt brothers (Mukesh and Mahesh) — Jism and Murder being the reference points — know that Murder 2 won't just push the envelope but tear it.

Mahesh Bhatt, the brain behind these films, admits that Jacqueline is bolder than Jism's Bipasha Basu and Murder's Mallika Sherawat (Murder). Says he, "We at Vishesh Films decided to make films with a high quotient of erotica to cater to the new consumer who is living a life radically different from the life I lived in my youth. "Bollywood cinema was slow to realise this but society had moved on. That is why when we made Jism and Murder and Raaz, the audience lapped it up. They had no problems with it. But the purists were outraged.

"For the first time in Indian cinema, Bipasha uttered the words, "the body doesn't know love, it only knows lust." Then we had Mallika in Murder who sleeps with another man and returns to her marriage only because her affair isn't working out. She has an intensely fulfilling sexual extra-marital relationship and feels no guilt. This is the post modern Indian woman.
"The India in which we were groomed, was shackled to certain beliefs. In the cinema made by our predecessors — Raj Kapoor and Raj Khosla — we were invariably shown that good people fell in love while bad people had sex.

"For me, the eye-opener came when I saw Jism in Delhi and found 70 per cent of the audience comprised of rich women. It was not just being viewed by sex-hungry frontbenchers but also by an evolved upmarket audience. "Raaz was simply the precursor. With Murder 2, women have gone one step further. Jacqueline is a different animal from Mallika and Bipasha. While they sinned with their eyes open but still yearned to conform towards the end; for Murder 2's Jackie, sex is even more casual. For her sex is like an expression. She does it as casually as she would inhale or exhale. That is what it is." The film releases worldwide on July 8.

Murder 2's item song faces censor cuts

Yana Gupta’s sizzling item song Zara Kareeb Se from Murder 2 will be missing from the promos of the film. Why so? The Censor Board thinks it’s too provocative, and more than that, ‘horrific’.

As per reports, the raunchy item song where Yana is shown like an ultimate sex kitten appeared to the members of the Censor Board as gory and very suggestive. Thus unfit for TV screening. So, what director Mohit Suri has to say about this?

According to Mohit the song is extremely in-your-face. “It was felt that the concept itself is not suitable to be viewed by everyone. The graphics are explicit. It needed an adult certification and on television you cannot monitor the audience,” the director is quoted as saying.

Yes, the song’s content is volatile as it has shown Yana shooting with torture chairs, chains and leashes (suggestive!). After the Censors prohibited the song from the promos, Mohit re-shot the song, which is a thrilling number, with the lead pair of the film Emraan Hashmi and Jacqueline Fernandez.

Now you can hear the song Zara Kareeb Se but without Yana Gupta. For the original item song you have to wait till the movie releases on July 8.

Vote for Murder2 Posters..

Indian filmmakers are going online for various tactics like finalising the title of a movie or arranging for finance.

Producer Mahesh Bhatt is also using social networking sites to finalise the main poster for his forthcoming thriller " Murder 2".Directed by Anurag Basu, "Murder", starring Mallika Sherawat and Emraan Hashmi, was a big hit when released in 2004. For "Murder 2", Mohit Suri has wielded the megaphone and Sri Lankan actress Jacqueline Fernandes has replaced Mallika in the film that hits the theatres July 8.

"We've five posters, but every film has one main poster besides other publicity posters. There was a disagreement between me and Mohit Suri on the main poster of the film. We thought the best way out is to show all the posters to the people of the country and let them select one," said Bhatt.

Surfers can view the posters on facebook and vote for their favourite one.

"Mohit and I'll blindly go ahead with the people's opinion," said Bhatt, adding: "At the end of the day, posters are for the people, so let them tell us which the best poster of the lot is. In fact, now we are eager to know which one people will select."

Bhatt had earlier uploaded the "Murder 2" trailer on his Twitter page and had tweeted: "This promo has created a rift within our group. We have extreme views. Please watch this and send me your feedback."

Murder 2 in Goa

The last instalment of Murder had set the pulses racing with its steamy scenes between the lead pair Mallika Sherawat and Emraan Hashmi. Now, the sequel to the film Murder 2 is all set to beat the record with Jacqueline Fernandez (who replaces Mallika) going all out for the film.

As per the sources, it is learnt that Murder 2 will feature the story of a serial killer in addition to the already-talked-about racy scenes between the new leading lady and Emraan.

The film, which is currently in the post production stages, was shot in Goa around the Christmas and New Year season that happens to be the peak tourist season.

The serial killer in the film whose identity is being carefully guarded is said to be based on some real life facts like the Nithari killings in Noida and the gruesome deaths that happened in Goa not too long ago.

Now this is one thriller to look forward to get the chills down te spine..