Producer Ektaa Kapoor has confirmed that The Dirty Picture 2 is in development, nearly 15 years after the original film hit theatres. She said she now has a story she wants to bring to audiences but kept details about the sequel’s cast, protagonist and release date undisclosed.
During an appearance on Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast, Ektaa revealed that she had been considering a sequel for some time but is now moving forward because she has found a story worth telling. She added that, like the original, the upcoming film will focus on an individual’s life, although she did not disclose whose story it will explore.
Ektaa said, "One very big film I'm making is The Dirty Picture 2. I'm planning it after 15 years. This time, I believe there is a story I want to tell. The Dirty Picture was about Silk Smitha. It was about a woman who was condemned for standing up against her sexuality. Now, sexuality is about your choice. I never saw her as a victim. I saw her as someone who celebrated her sexuality, and the film did so well."
She reiterated that the sequel would once again revolve around a person’s life but offered no additional information about the lead character or the casting.
Looking back at the first film
Released in December 2011, The Dirty Picture featured Vidya Balan, Naseeruddin Shah, Emraan Hashmi and Tusshar Kapoor. Inspired by Silk Smitha’s life, the film depicted the South Indian actor’s rise in the entertainment industry and the difficulties she encountered along the way.
Silk Smitha acted in more than 450 films during an 18-year career. She died by suicide at her Chennai residence at the age of 35. Vidya Balan later received the National Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in the film.
How the film stayed with Vidya Balan
The Dirty Picture continues to hold a significant place in Vidya Balan’s career. In a recent interview with YouTuber Samdish, she revealed that she developed a smoking habit after working on the film and eventually began smoking two to three cigarettes daily. "After The Dirty Picture, I got addicted," she said.
Vidya explained that she had smoked before taking on the film and knew how to do it, but had not been a regular smoker. She said, "As a character, you can't just fake it. I couldn't have that hesitation because there is a certain perception about women who smoke. Much less now, far more before."
The actor also recalled initially feeling intimidated by the film because of the short, revealing outfits and the way she was required to dance. However, she said completing the project left her feeling "liberated".
Vidya added that being described as "sexy" after the film altered her perception of herself and helped free her from notions associated with body size.
Vidya Balan was last seen in Raja Shivaji and will next appear in the upcoming film Jailer 2.
