The
fact
that
Lara
Dutta
is
essaying
the
role
of
a
village
housewife
in
Shahrukh
Khan's
home
banner
production
Billu
(earlier
titled
Billu
Barber),
is
known
to
all
who
follow
regular
Bollywood
news
updates.
But
her
character
is
so
real
and
in
keeping
with
the
story
line
that
any
common
village
woman
can
relate
to
it.
As
per
the
latest
news,
Lara
wore
a
no
make-up
look
throughout
the
film
for
the
first
time.
Her
sarees
were
old
and
crumpled,
soaked
in
tea
and
dried.
And
she
wore
them
because
that
fitted
the
character
as
she
is
essaying
the
role
of
a
simple,
in
fact,
poverty
ridden
wife
of
a
common
village
barber.
She
also
had
to
walk
bare
foot
(which
was
very
difficult)
as
her
character
could
not
afford
to
buy
proper
footwear.
Apart
from
Lara's
(much
talked
about
and
reported)
chance
encounter
with
a
snake,
she
also
had
to
put
up
through
some
extremely
hostile
terrain
when
they
went
on
location
for
the
picturisation
of
a
song.
The
unit
had
to
walk
through
muddy
water
and
pot
holes
since
there
was
no
proper
road
to
the
desired
location.
But
when
they
reached
the
locale,
the
effort
was
worth
it
as
the
scenery
there
was
breathtaking.
Talk
about
perfection,
this
is
as
perfect
as
it
can
get!
And
we
thought
that
this
kind
of
dedication
is
only
seen
in
off
-
beat
movies!
Well,
for
that
we
must
commend
Lara
(for
putting
up
with
such
difficult
situations),
and
the
director
Priyadarshan
for
giving
so
much
thought
to
her
character,
as
also
the
large
hearted
producer
Gauri
Khan.
We
are
sure
that
apart
from
Shahrukh's
extended
appearance
and
his
scintillating
item
numbers
with
top
heroines
and
Irrfan
Khan's
characteristic
but
much
loved
style
of
acting,
Lara's
character
will
be
one
of
the
highlights
of
the
film.
And,
for
those
who
thought
Priyan
only
makes
senseless
movies,
Billu
will
surely
prove
to
be
an
eye
opener
for
his
detractors.
Story first published: Tuesday, February 10, 2009, 9:07 [IST]