In a surprising new Bollywood development, reports are that Vidya Balan will soon be starring as the highly popular sex symbol Silk Smitha. Producer Ekta Kapoor is all set to begin working on a movie on Smitha titled "The Dirty Picture" but it will not focus on the South Siren's bold career moves but all the tragedy that the actress had to deal with. Smitha ended up dying a lonely and tragic death at a very young age back in 1996.

"I've been waiting for almost two years for the script to be ready. Now my writer Rajat Arora has finally put the finishing touches to the story of a woman who defied all conventions to become a sensation in the South but eventually committed suicide. Let me tell you, this will be my most exhilarating and powerful production ever. It's about women's empowerment and the loneliness behind stardom", Ekta Kapoor shared.

Milan Luthria, who is currently busy directing Once Upon A Time In Bombay, has been signed by Ekta as the director of The Dirty Picture.

It has been reported by sources that Vidya Balan would be playing the lead. The actress herself, however, has shared no confirmations. While she did say that she has been approached with the script, she has not yet given an approval.

While speculations are strong, none of the major parties involved with the project are willing to give out the name of the lead.