Vidya Balan says Silk Smitha was exploited

Vidya Balan, who essays the role of yesteryears south siren Silk Smitha in The Dirty Picture said in a recent interview that as Vijayalaxmi or Silk Smitha is popularly known was bold and fearless, she was exploited in a wrong way.

Directed by Milan Luthria, The Dirty Picture chronicles the life of controversial South Indian actress Silk Smitha. In an interview with the PTI, Vidya Balan said, “In real life, Silk was very very ahead of her time. She took pride in what she did and was never ashamed in what she was doing."

Terming her as bindaas and fearless, Vidya Balan said that Silk Smitha was someone who wanted to live to the fullest. Vidya added, “She believed in taking every opportunity and living every moment and was not bothered about what people talk or think. There was some childishness in her but she was fearless."

Elaborating on Silk Smitha, Vidya Balan said, “People think Silk was bold only because she used to dress up or pose in certain way...but this was one part of her fearlessness. Some even felt she was shameless but I don't think she was. Today, girls are in complete command of their life and sexuality.. they are unapologetic and take pride in whatever they do. Silk was like that back then. And which is why she was misunderstood and people exploited that in a wrong way."