Actress Shefali Shah, who will be seen playing a prostitute in director Nagesh Kukunoor's "Lakshmi", says the film's story is such that it has to be told.

Last seen in the 2011 release "Kucch Luv Jaisaa", Shefali said: "When Nagesh met me for the film, the first thing I said that this story has to be told. It kind of hits you. There is no way you can't react to a film like this humanly..."

Her character in the film, based on child trafficking and prostitution, was another reason that made her accept the offer.

"Of course, I wanted to work with Nagesh as well. There is no way I could have said no to the film. It's completely special and brilliant role, and a story very, very needed to be told, " said the actress here at the trailer launch of the movie.

Based on true incidents, "Lakshmi" also features debutant Monali Thakur, Satish Kaushik, Ram Kapoor and Nagesh. The film is set for a Jan 17 release.