Who can replace Vidya in 'The Dirty Picture'?

Vidya Balan seems to have embraced her character in 'The Dirty Picture' very closely. She looks tailor made for the role even in promotions and interviews. But what could have happened if she would have denied the role.

Could the makers have found a Bollywood actress who can carry the same role with equal conviction and ease?

Madhuri Dixit has not stopped looking stunning and she can still give younger heroines a run for their money in all aspects of screen acting. She is not only a brilliant dancer but also a capable actor. Madhuri had started acting in the year 1984, the peak time in Silk Smitha's career. She must be aware of the scenario in the film industry in those times and the imageries conserved in her sub-conscious can make the character all the more lively. Further, her suggestive dance moves in 'Tezaab' and 'Beta' were no way lesser lethal than Silk's.

There is no question of Madhuri's flexibility but her age can go against her candidature. Plus she is a married woman now, something that affects the viewer's perception in India a little more than required.

Lara Dutta seems to be the natural choice for the same role due to her dusky complexion and well-toned body. The kind of outfit she has worn in 'Don 2' is almost similar to Silk's clothes in the film 'Goonda'. Of course, Lara's designer is much more skilled and suave than Silk's but the basic essence of the dress is same in both the cases. Knowingly or unknowingly, the sophistication of being a former model seeps into Lara's acting and that can kill the rawness associated with Smitha's personality.

There is something in the face of Anushka Sharma that makes her endear to the tradition loving audiences. The 'desi' appeal of Anushka's face suits the requirement but her dancing skills may not match Silk's athleticism. Moreover, Silk Smitha was a pro at using her innocent face to entice the opposite sex, while Anushka still has not mastered that art.

'Saawariya' presented Rani Mukherjee as an ethically upright sex worker. She won both the accolades and condemnation for that role but overall looked a good choice for the character. 'No One Killed Jessica' proved that Rani can pull off bold roles too. She had done bold roles in the beginning of her career but started to focus more on typical Bollywood roles after the success of 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'. Mukherjee is not a bad dancer either and can mouth hard hitting dialogues without much discomfort.

Her body structure and round face can help the casting director in reaching to a decision.

Bipasha Basu sizzled as Billo Chaman Bahar in songs like 'Bidi jalai le' and 'Namak ishq ka' in Vishal Bharadwaj's 'Omkara'. Unfortunately, the indomitable spirit of being a powerful woman never leaves her persona and that disqualifies her from playing Silk because Silk was quite aware of the timing of different emotions. Smitha switched from being subdued to being overtly dominating as per the requirement, unlike Basu who gives the same feeling of a no nonsense modern woman everytime she appears.

Next contender is Konkona Sen Sharma whose acting talent has satisfied the critics more than once. She can fit into the role better than many of her contemporaries but she has not been seen dancing often.

Her skin texture and other physical features match with Silk Smitha but bad dancing mars her chances.

'Double Dhamaal', 'Guru' and 'Hiss' are the glaring examples of Mallika Sherawat's tantalizing sex quotient. However, it is difficult to say that whether Mallika will be a right replacement for Vidya or not, simply due to the fact that both the actors have entirely different mannerism. Mallika looks better in designer clothes unlike Vidya who has been questioned by her critics for unconventional dressing sense. On the other hand, pre conceived notions about Mallika the actor restrict the public from being shocked at any 'below the belt' statement, something which Vidya is using as an arsenal.

Rani Mukherjee and Mallika Sherawat seem to be the forerunners in the 'replace Vidya race' but the race can become thorny if Vidya Balan comes up with a power packed performance in 'The Dirty Picture'.