A file photo of Vidya Balan.
After being seen as Silk Smitha in
The Dirty Picture, National Award-winning actress Vidya Balan has now taken on a cameo as golden era actress Geeta Bali in a Marathi biopic. She considers it an honour.
The biopic, on Bhagwan Dada, traces the late actor-director's life and the difficulties he faced while making his 1951 released musical
Albela, which featured Geeta Bali, who was considered a popular star then.
"It's an honour to be playing the effervescent Geeta Bali even if it is just a special appearance, and to be recreating
Albela for a Marathi biopic on Bhagwan Dada," Vidya said in a statement.
Interestingly, senior make-up artist Vidyadhar Bhatte, who had worked with Vidya in the past, suggested her name to director Shekhar Sartandel, who was on the lookout for someone with a truly Indian face for Geeta Bali's role.
And after he narrated the script to Vidya, she immediately agreed. (Also Read:
Vidya Balan, '36 and Proud,' Says Age is Just a Number)
For the role, Vidya will sport Geeta Bali's look from the original film, but she wouldn't be required to speak Marathi, said a source close to the actress.