Vidya Balan: I don't connect with Silk Smita

Everybody is talking about Vidya Balan's outrageous and bold costumes in the film The Dirty Picture, which is based on Silk Smitha's life. The acclaimed actress says there is a lot more to the film than the skin show.

The Dirty picture
Don't judge this film by looking at the sex appeal only as it has an emotional touch too, which you will realize once you watch the film. The film shows the journey of a woman: how she deals with fame and everyone around. It's a lovely film.

Music
The music of the film is already doing well. My favorite is Ooh La La, which is sung by Bappi Lahiri and Shreya Ghoshal. The song's got a classic touch and all are impressed. The songs are picturised in a different way, which remind you of Silk Smitha. People are talking about my and Naseer Ji's chemistry in this song.

Memorable moments
Shooting the film will be totally memorable because wearing such costumes and shooting was not easy. I was uncomfortable initially but then each and everyone stood by me and I realized I am here to work and then we shot the film. I have enjoyed each and every day of shooting so much that I miss going to the sets today. Working with Milan Luthria was a new experience and I love his sense of cinema and aesthetics. We were shooting in Bidar Fort near Hyderabad and I loved the response from the locals. They used to bring home-made food for us and would lovingly talk to Emraan and me.

Local designer
Yes, we wanted the simple but hot look so I stitched one of my blouses (Red saree) from a local tailor and even bought some saris from the local shops in Hyderabad. Believe me they are too good.

Connecting with Silk
I didn't connect with Silk because she has led a different life and I have lived a different life. But when I was asked to play this character, I had to do a lot of research and only then could I manage to play the character. It was hard for me to understand what was going on in her mind. I can bet being a woman, she was very emotional. She must have seen ups and downs and this film will also show you the emotional journey of Silk Smita.

The Dirty Picture releases on 2nd December, 2011.