Before Internet, TV and VCR became popular there was a time when theatres ruled the entertainment industry. The mystifying world of feature film was unapproachable to common audience. The viewer’s only way to see porn was to go for A rated films. The star who ruled this kind of film was Vijayalakshmi alias Silk Smitha. Silk Smitha was the undisputed queen of the southern cinema during her days.

Now, Ekta Kapoor of Balaji Telefilms is to produce a biopic on Silk Smitha. The Dirty Picture (title) will not focus on the sleaze but the story of the actress who provided excitement to viewers but died a tragic death.

The life of a woman who defied all conventions to become a sensation in south was written for film by Rajat Arora. Milan Luthria is the director. He is currently directing Once Upon A Time in Bombay.

For Ekta the film is about women's empowerment and the loneliness behind stardom. Director has approached Vidya Balan to play the role. But she has not signed any deal.

Silk Smitha was a craze figure in her times who engendered many imitations including Nylex Nalini and Disco Shanti. She was born into a poor family in Andhra Pradesh. She left studies after fourth standard to pursue her ambition.

Her first Tamil film was Vandi Chakkaram in 1979. She acted in more than 200 Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi films. Silk Smitha was found dead in her apartment in 1996.