In a bid to clear Vidya Balan's doubts about his film, 'Dirty Picture' director wants actress to check DVDs that have "strong, sexual" female characters

Director Milan Luthria has given his Dirty Picture lead actress Vidya Balan DVDs of English films Burlesque and Chicago to watch after she voiced apprehensions that the film would end up being soft porn.

A source close to the director reveals, "Milan has asked Vidya to study Burlesque for her role as Silk Smitha. He's also asking her to watch films of Ingrid Bergman, etc.

The emphasis is on emulating women with strong and overtly sexual body language."

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Milan says, "Vidya wanted to have an idea about what was in my head and about the character she plays. So as a reference point, I asked her to watch Burlesque and Chicago for rhythmic energy, lighting, photo, costumes, etc.

After watching Burlesque, Vidya's respect for me shot up a few notches further, " he laughs.

Most people perceive DP to be a very hard-hitting south Indian masala soft porn film. "That's why it's important to see films like Burlesque to show you the potential for this art form whether it is about a stripper, dancer or item girl.

I wanted Vidya to know that what she's doing is not crass or crude but can be shown aesthetically in a sensual manner with a touch of class. What her character does, is not cheap. I wanted to show her that I haven't taken up a career in soft porn, " Milan jokes.