Vidya Balan's Risky Role: Romancing 29-Year Senior, 'The Dirty Picture' Changed Her Fate

• Vidya Balan faced multiple rejections in TV and films before her career-defining role in 'The Dirty Picture'.
• She romanced Naseeruddin Shah, 29 years her senior, in the film, a move initially predicted to ruin her career.
• Despite controversies and a bold script, 'The Dirty Picture' became a blockbuster, grossing over 100 crores on an 18-20 crore budget.
• Vidya gained 12 kg and wore nearly 100 costumes for the role, performing bold scenes with a female-dominated crew for comfort.
• The film earned her a National Award, doubled her fees, and established her as a pioneer for female-centric cinema, a role Kangana Ranaut had rejected.

Why It Matters: Vidya Balan defied critics with 'The Dirty Picture', turning a controversial role into a career-defining triumph.