(Image source from: Instagram.com/balanvidya)
After her role in the 2011 hit film 'The Dirty Picture', actress Vidya Balan developed a smoking addiction. Although she has a fondness for the smell of smoke, she would only indulge in smoking if it didn't harm her health. In a recent interview with YouTuber Samdish, Balan discussed her experience working on the film and how it affected her smoking habits. Reflecting on her portrayal of Silk Smitha, the 1980s South Indian actor, Balan admitted, "After The Dirty Picture, I got addicted." She confessed to smoking 2-3 cigarettes a day after filming.
Balan highlighted the importance of authenticity in her role and explained that she couldn't fake smoking to accurately portray Silk Smitha. "I had smoked before shooting for the film. I knew how to smoke, but I didn't actually smoke...you know what I mean. But as a character, you can't just pretend. I couldn't have any hesitation because there is a certain perception about women who smoke, especially in the past," Balan shared. When asked if she still smokes, the 'Kahaani' actress responded, "No. I don't think I should admit this on camera, but I do enjoy smoking." If it wouldn't cause any harm to you, I would do it. I have always enjoyed the scent of smoke. Even in my college days, I would intentionally stand next to people who were smoking at bus stops.
'The Dirty Picture' holds great significance in Vidya Balan's acting career. Despite feeling hesitant when offered the role, she felt a sense of liberation upon completing the film. The only aspect that made her anxious was having to wear revealing and provocative clothes, and dancing in such a manner. When I envision myself as an actor, I never imagine doing any of those things. However, I thought, "Wow, this is an opportunity I want," but I also realized that people would be watching it on camera," Balan reminisced. When asked about how portraying Silk Smitha changed her as a person, Vidya Balan replied, "The film freed me. After that, I started being called 'sexy' and I realized that it had nothing to do with my appearance. That realization truly liberated me." Vidya Balan's latest film, 'Do Aur Do Pyaar', has received positive feedback from both critics and audiences. The movie also stars Pratik Gandhi, Ileana D'Cruz, and Sendhil Ramamurthy.
