Silk Smitha
Vijayalakshmi Vadlapatla, better known by her stage name Silk Smitha, was an Indian film actress who worked predominantly in South Indian films. She entered the industry as a side actress and was first noticed for her role as "Silk" in the 1979 Tamil film Vandichakkaram. She became a major sex symbol and the most sought-after erotic actress in the 1980s. In a career spanning 17 years, she appeared in over 450 films in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi languages. On 23 September 1996, she was found dead in her apartment in Chennai, having committed suicide.
Early life
Smitha was born in a Telugu family to Ramallu and Sarasamma in Kovvali village, Denduluru Mandal, Eluru. She left school after her fourth standard due to the family's financial constraints. Her striking looks burdened her with uninvited attention, and her family married her off at a very young age. Her husband and in-laws treated her poorly and she soon ran away.Career
Smitha started as a touch-up artist for an actress and soon got a break in small character roles. Later, she was discovered by Vinu Chakravarthy, director at a flour mill near AVM studios. He changed her name to Smitha and took her under his wing; his wife taught her English and arranged for her to learn dancing, though soon, due to her marked sex appeal, she switched to roles of cabaret dancers and vamps and inevitably found herself typecast. After garnering much notice and acclaim with her first major role in the Tamil film Vandichakkaram, in 1979, Smitha assumed the screen name "Silk", after her character's name in the movie. After it became a big hit, she could not escape typecasting, severely limiting her range throughout her career.Smitha went on to star in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada and a few Hindi films. Her dance numbers and bold performances in films like Moondru Mugam made her the ultimate symbol of sensuality in South Indian cinema. Her item numbers in films like Amaran, Halli Meshtru were also celebrated at the box office. Some film critics, historians and journalists have referred to her as a "soft porn" actress. A vast majority of her movies are considered "softcore" by Indian standards and a common theme is her playing a freakishly strong agent in skimpy bikinis and beating up huge thugs. Her acting prowess did not go completely unnoticed, and in her rare non-sexual roles she impressed critics and audiences, such as her portrayal of a wife hurt by her role in her husband's rape of their maid and when she poignantly admitted her mistake in her confrontation of her husband in Alaigal Oivathillai. One of her films, Layanam, has earned cult status in the Indian adult film industry and was dubbed in numerous languages, including Hindi., too, acquired cult status. Her most respected film is Moondram Pirai, by Balu Mahendra, remade in Hindi as Sadma, with much of the top-drawer cast, including Sridevi, Kamal Hassan, and Silk Smitha reprising their roles.
Such was her audience-drawing power that, at the peak of her career, according to Tamil film historian Randor Guy, "Films that had lain in cans for years were sold by the simple addition of a Silk Smitha song."
Personal life
Silk Smitha had a small circle of close friends. She was an introvert and did not make friends quickly with anyone. She is also known for her short temper, willpower and straightforwardness, which some mistook for arrogance. In reality, she was punctual, responsible, and ambitious. She is also described as having a "soft" and "child like" personality by her friends and fans. She was skilled with makeup and made it her profession before entering the industry. She was naturally beautiful and well known for her doe-like eyes, golden complexion and physique.Death
The morning of 23 September 1996, she had contacted her friend, dancer Anuradha, to discuss a matter that was disturbing her. Anuradha said she will visit, after dropping her child at school.Later in the same morning, Smitha was found dead in her Chennai home, much to the shock of her fans. The reason behind her death remains a mystery. Some believe it was due to depression over her debt accumulated from producing movies, while others continue to suspect foul play. A few months after her death it was declared in the postmortem report that Smitha died of suicide by hanging herself from a fan with a sari, and high amounts of alcohol were found in her body.
Filmography
| Year | Film | Role | Language | Notes |
| 1979 | Edutha Sabantham Mudipen | Tamil | ||
| 1979 | Pushyaraagam | Malayalam | ||
| 1979 | Ottapettavar | Malayalam | ||
| 1980 | Saraswatheeyaamam | Padmam | Malayalam | |
| 1980 | Rajaneegandhi | Sheela | Malayalam | |
| 1980 | Ivar | Susamma | Malayalam | |
| 1980 | Karimbana | Malayalam | ||
| 1980 | Angadi | Sainabha | Malayalam | |
| 1981 | Vayal | Parvathi | Malayalam | |
| 1981 | Sneham Oru Pravaaham | Malayalam | ||
| 1981 | Seethakoka Chiluka | Telugu | ||
| 1981 | Gharana Gangulu | Telugu | ||
| 1981 | Pinneyum Pookkunna Kaadu | Malayalam | ||
| 1981 | Inaye Thedi | Malayalam | ||
| 1981 | Alaigal Oivathillai | Tamil | ||
| 1981 | Avatharam | Thankamani | Malayalam | |
| 1981 | Poochasanyasi | Malayalam | ||
| 1981 | Nizhal Yudham | Malayalam | ||
| 1981 | Needhi Pizhaithathu | Tamil | ||
| 1982 | Paap Ko Jala Dunga | Hindi | ||
| 1982 | Moondram Pirai | Headmaster's wife | Tamil | |
| 1982 | Ranga | Ravi's girlfriend | Tamil | |
| 1982 | Neram Vandhachu | Rekha | Tamil | |
| 1982 | Sagalakala Vallavan | Lalitha | Tamil | |
| 1982 | Theeradha Vilaiyattu Pillai | Mohan's wife | ||
| 1982 | Moondru Mugam | Tamil | ||
| 1982 | Yamakinkarudu | Telugu | ||
| 1982 | Paritchaikku Neramaachu | Tamil | ||
| 1982 | Thanikattu Raja | Special appearance | Tamil | |
| 1982 | Pattanathu Rajakkal | Rekha | Tamil | |
| 1982 | Nandri Meendum Varuga | |||
| 1982 | Lottery Ticket | |||
| 1982 | Kozhi Koovuthu | Chittu | Tamil | |
| 1982 | Adhisayappiravigal | Tamil | ||
| 1982 | Naa Desam | Telugu | ||
| 1982 | Allullostunnaru | Telugu | ||
| 1982 | Idiyum Minnalum | Smitha | Malayalam | |
| 1982 | Parvaiyin Marupakkam | Anitha | Tamil | |
| 1982 | Theerpu | Tamil | ||
| 1982 | Sivantha Kankal | Tamil | ||
| 1982 | Kaalan | Malayalam | ||
| 1983 | Thudikkum Karangal | Seetha | Tamil | |
| 1983 | Imaigal | Tamil | ||
| 1983 | Sattam | Tamil | ||
| 1983 | Jaani Dost | Laila | Hindi | |
| 1983 | Jeet Hamaari | Soni | Hindi | |
| 1983 | Tarzan Sundari | Hindi | ||
| 1983 | Sadma | Soni | Hindi | |
| 1983 | Roshagadu | Telugu | ||
| 1983 | Puli Debba | Telugu | ||
| 1983 | Khaidi | Telugu | ||
| 1983 | Vellai Roja | Tamil | ||
| 1983 | Theeram Thedunna Thira | Smitha | Malayalam | |
| 1983 | Soorakottai Singakutti | Tamil | ||
| 1983 | Silk Silk Silk | Tamil | ||
| 1983 | Rathilayam | Rathi | Malayalam | |
| 1983 | Prathigna | Dancer | Malayalam | |
| 1983 | Kokkarako | |||
| 1983 | Justice Raja | Item dancer | Malayalam | |
| 1983 | Gedda Maga | Kannada | ||
| 1983 | Eettappuli | Rani | Malayalam | |
| 1983 | Attakkalasam | Malayalam | ||
| 1983 | Adutha Varisu | Tamil | ||
| 1983 | Sivappu Sooriyan | Rani | Tamil | |
| 1983 | Paayum Puli | Roopa | Tamil | |
| 1983 | Thai Veedu | Tamil | ||
| 1983 | Malaioor Mambattiyan | Tamil | ||
| 1983 | Thambathigal | Tamil | ||
| 1983 | Bhagavathipuram Railway Gate | Tamil | ||
| 1983 | Nizhal Moodiya Nirangal | Malayalam | ||
| 1983 | Sumangali | Tamil | ||
| 1983 | Aayiram Nilave Vaa | Tamil | ||
| 1983 | Pankayam | Malayalam | ||
| 1983 | Vaashi | Malayalam | ||
| 1983 | Snehabandham | Malayalam | ||
| 1983 | Thanga Magan | Tamil | ||
| 1983 | Jothi | Tamil | ||
| 1983 | Uruvangal Maralam | Tamil | ||
| 1983 | Neethibathi | Tamil | ||
| 1983 | Urangatha Ninaivugal | Tamil | ||
| 1983 | Sampoorna Premayanam | Telugu | ||
| 1983 | Gudachari No.1 | Telugu | ||
| 1983 | Adavi Simhalu | Telugu | ||
| 1984 | Vaazhkai | Tamil | ||
| 1984 | Taqatwala | Hindi | ||
| 1984 | Silky | |||
| 1984 | Qaidi | Dancer in song Bongo Bongo | Hindi | |
| 1984 | Challenge | Priyamvada | Telugu | |
| 1984 | Rustum | Telugu | ||
| 1984 | Yuddham | Telugu | ||
| 1984 | Tharaasu | Tamil | ||
| 1984 | Kairasikkaran | Aisha | Tamil | |
| 1984 | Iru Methaigal | |||
| 1984 | Idavelakku Sesham | Dolly | Malayalam | |
| 1984 | Bullet | Shobha | Malayalam | |
| 1984 | Alakadalinakkare | Dancer | Malayalam | |
| 1984 | Abhimanyudu | Telugu | ||
| 1984 | S. P. Bhayankar | Telugu | ||
| 1984 | Hero | Telugu | ||
| 1984 | Agni Gundam | Telugu | ||
| 1984 | Aada Puli | Telugu | ||
| 1984 | Raraju | Telugu | ||
| 1984 | Bhola Shankarudu | Telugu | ||
| 1984 | Bangaru Kapuram | Telugu | ||
| 1984 | Seethamma Pelli | Telugu | ||
| 1984 | Neengal Kettavai | Tamil | ||
| 1984 | Prachanda Kulla | Kannada | ||
| 1984 | Niraparaadhi | Malayalam | ||
| 1984 | Umanilayam | Reena | Malayalam | |
| 1984 | Shapatham | Malayalam | ||
| 1984 | Avalude Shapatham | Malayalam | ||
| 1985 | Toofan Rani | Hindi | ||
| 1985 | Naagin Bani Deewani | Hindi | ||
| 1985 | Anita Mera Naam | Hindi | ||
| 1985 | Santhosha Kanavukal | Tamil | ||
| 1985 | Pataal Bhairavi | Dancer | Hindi | |
| 1985 | Jwala | Telugu | ||
| 1985 | Bebbuli Veta | Telugu | ||
| 1985 | Maya Mohini | Telugu | ||
| 1985 | Vajrayudham | Telugu | ||
| 1985 | Dongallo Dora | Telugu | ||
| 1985 | Darja Donga ' | Telugu | ||
| 1985 | Puli | Tamil | ||
| 1985 | Visha Kanya | |||
| 1985 | Terror | |||
| 1985 | Ranarangam | |||
| 1985 | Mayaladi | |||
| 1985 | Illaliko Pareeksha | |||
| 1985 | Shri Datta Darshanam | Telugu | ||
| 1985 | Aatma Balam | Telugu | ||
| 1985 | Revenge | Geetha | Malayalam | |
| 1985 | Prema Mayam | |||
| 1985 | Ottayan | Rani | Malayalam | |
| 1985 | Moodila Muchata | Telugu | ||
| 1985 | Lady James Bond | Telugu | ||
| 1985 | Kumkuma Thanda Saubhagya | |||
| 1985 | Kiratham | Dancer | Malayalam | |
| 1985 | Chorakku Chora | C.I.D Silk | Malayalam | |
| 1985 | Jeevante Jeevan | Malayalam | ||
| 1985 | Prathikarajwaala | Malayalam | ||
| 1985 | Chattamtho Poratam | Telugu | ||
| 1985 | Donga | Telugu | ||
| 1985 | Kattula Kondaiah | Item dancer | Telugu | |
| 1985 | Tirugubatu | Telugu | ||
| 1986 | Khooni Meena | Hindi | ||
| 1986 | Khazane Ke Lootere | Hindi | ||
| 1986 | Izzat Aabroo | |||
| 1986 | C.I.D. Silk | |||
| 1986 | Khaidi Rudraiah | Hindi | - | |
| 1986 | Kirathakudu | Hamsa | Telugu | |
| 1986 | Urukku Manushyan | Malayalam | ||
| 1986 | Kulambadikal | Malayalam | ||
| 1986 | Kaithi Rani | Telugu | ||
| 1986 | Kutra | Telugu | ||
| 1986 | Punnami Rathri | Telugu | ||
| 1986 | Rakshasudu | Telugu | ||
| 1986 | Papikondalu | Telugu | ||
| 1986 | Kondaveeti Raja | Telugu | ||
| 1986 | Nippulanti Manishi | Item dancer | Telugu | |
| 1986 | Annoru Raavil | Malayalam | ||
| 1986 | Pensimham | Malayalam | ||
| 1987 | Toofan Hi Toofan | Hindi | ||
| 1987 | Hanthakudi Veta | |||
| 1987 | Daku Raja | |||
| 1987 | Badla Aurat Ka | Hindi | ||
| 1987 | Swatantraniki Oopiri Poyandi | Telugu | ||
| 1987 | Veera Viharam | Telugu | ||
| 1987 | Dayamayudu | Telugu | ||
| 1987 | Penn Simham | Reshma | ||
| 1987 | Alludu Kosam | |||
| 1987 | Anjatha Singam | Tamil | ||
| 1987 | Aalappirandhavan | Tamil | ||
| 1987 | Cooliekkaran | Tamil | ||
| 1988 | Jawani Ka Dushman | Hindi | ||
| 1988 | Gumrah Jawani | Hindi | ||
| 1988 | Khaidi No.786 | Telugu | ||
| 1988 | Ukku Sankellu | Telugu | ||
| 1988 | Vegu Chukka Pagati Chukka | Telugu | ||
| 1988 | Jeeva | Monika | Tamil | |
| 1988 | Shri Datta Darshan | Dancer | ||
| 1988 | Jyoti Devi Maa | |||
| 1988 | Poovukkul Boogambam | Tamil | ||
| 1988 | Ganam Courtar Avargale | Tamil | ||
| 1988 | Shenbagamae Shenbagamae | Tamil | ||
| 1988 | Paatti Sollai Thattathe | Anushiya | Tamil | |
| 1989 | Kameena Kahin Kaa | Hindi | ||
| 1989 | Geethanjali | Guest appearance in song | Telugu | |
| 1989 | Adharvam | Ponni | Malayalam | |
| 1989 | Sonthakkaran | Sudha | Tamil | |
| 1989 | Thiruppu Munai | Tamil | ||
| 1989 | Pick Pocket | Tamil | ||
| 1989 | O Varsham kurisina ratiri | |||
| 1989 | New Year | Daisy | Malayalam | |
| 1989 | Miss Pameela | Malayalam | ||
| 1989 | Layanam | Malayalam | ||
| 1989 | Andru Peytha Mazhaiyil | Capri | Tamil | |
| 1989 | Praayapoorthiyaayavarkku Maathram | Malayalam | ||
| 1989 | Padippura | Malayalam | ||
| 1989 | VIP | Malayalam | ||
| 1989 | Preminchi Choodu | Sudha | Tamil | |
| 1989 | Bamma Maata Bangaru Baata | Anasuya | Telugu | |
| 1989 | Agni | Telugu | ||
| 1989 | Parthudu | Telugu | ||
| 1989 | Ayyappa Swamy Mahatyam | Telugu | ||
| 1990 | Reshma Ki Jawani | Hindi | ||
| 1990 | Pyasi Meri Nigahen | Hindi | ||
| 1990 | Maut Se Mukabala | Hindi | ||
| 1990 | Lady Tarzan | Hindi | ||
| 1990 | Jawani Ki Jalan | Hindi | ||
| 1990 | Aag Lagi Barsat Mein | Hindi | ||
| 1990 | Avasara Police 100 | Amulu | Tamil | |
| 1990 | Gulabi Raaten | Advoate / Judge Sheela Mathur | ||
| 1990 | Adhisaya Manithan | Nancy | Tamil | |
| 1990 | Shesham Screenil | Malayalam | ||
| 1990 | Naale Ennundekil | Jyothi | Malayalam | |
| 1990 | Neengalum Herothan | Tamil | ||
| 1990 | Sunday 7 PM | Sherly | Malayalam | |
| 1991 | Vikram | |||
| 1991 | Shiva Dada | |||
| 1991 | Qatil Nighahen | |||
| 1991 | Mission 369 | |||
| 1991 | Hawai Dhamaka | |||
| 1991 | Doosri Biwi | |||
| 1991 | Chaitanya | Smitha | Telugu | |
| 1991 | Aditya 369 | Rajanarthaki Nandini | Telugu | |
| 1991 | Idhayam | Tamil | ||
| 1991 | Thambikku Oru Paattu | Tamil | ||
| 1991 | Thalattu Ketkuthamma | Dr. Mary | Tamil | |
| 1991 | Onnum Theriyatha Pappa | Tamil | ||
| 1992 | Pyas Bujhti Nahin | |||
| 1992 | Mera Farz Mera Karz | |||
| 1992 | Bombay Police | |||
| 1992 | Pandithurai | Tamil | ||
| 1992 | Drohi | Dancer | Uncredited | |
| 1992 | Thai Mozhi | Tamil | ||
| 1992 | Rishi | Malayalam | ||
| 1992 | Pangali | Tamil | ||
| 1992 | Naadody | Item dancer | Malayalam | |
| 1992 | Halli Meshtru | Kannada | ||
| 1992 | Amaran | Area Girl | Tamil | |
| 1992 | Deiva Kuzhanthai | Kuyilu | Tamil | |
| 1992 | Kizhakku Veluthachu | Alamelu | Tamil | |
| 1992 | David Uncle | Singari | Tamil | |
| 1992 | Vasudha | Malayalam | ||
| 1992 | Chevalier Michael | Malayalam | ||
| 1992 | Antham | Bar dancer | Telugu | |
| 1992 | Subba Rayudi Pelli | Telugu | ||
| 1993 | Sikandar Ki Lalkar | |||
| 1993 | Rakshana | Telugu | ||
| 1993 | Govindha Govindha | Guest Appearance in song | Telugu | |
| 1993 | Chinna Alludu | Telugu | ||
| 1993 | Aarambham | Telugu | ||
| 1992 | Chillara Mogudu Allari Koduku | Telugu | ||
| 1993 | Sabash Babu | Tamil | ||
| 1993 | Ulle Veliye | Tamil | ||
| 1993 | Kongu Chatu Krishnudu | Telugu | ||
| 1993 | Rajadhi Raja Raja Kulothunga Raja Marthanda Raja Gambeera Kathavaraya Krishna Kamarajan | Tamil | ||
| 1993 | Kunthi Puthrudu | Telugu | ||
| 1993 | Nallathe Nadakkum | Ramadevi | Tamil | |
| 1993 | Moondravadhu Kann | Item dancer | Tamil | |
| 1993 | Bava Bavamaridi | Chintamani | Telugu | |
| 1993 | Saakshaal Sreeman Chaatthunni | Herself special appearance in song | Malayalam | |
| 1993 | Mafia | Item Dance | Malayalam | |
| 1993 | Aadhityan | Manga | Tamil | |
| 1993 | Alimayya | Kannada | ||
| 1993 | Muta Mestri | Telugu | ||
| 1993 | Rowdy Annayya | Telugu | ||
| 1993 | Thodu Dongalu | Telugu | ||
| 1993 | Minmini Poochigal | Tamil | ||
| 1994 | Kishkinda Kanda | Heroine | ||
| 1994 | Ek Hatyara | |||
| 1994 | Aaya Jawani Jhoom Ke | |||
| 1994 | Gharana Alludu | Telugu | ||
| 1994 | Atta Kodallu | Telugu | ||
| 1994 | Vijaypath | Hindi | ||
| 1994 | Naaraaz | |||
| 1994 | Seeman | Tamil | ||
| 1994 | Pari Poyina Khaideelu | |||
| 1994 | Alibaba Aradajanu Dongalu | SP'S Wife | Telugu | |
| 1994 | Oru Vasantha Geetham | Tamil | ||
| 1994 | Athiradi Padai | Tamil | ||
| 1994 | Priyanka | Tamil | ||
| 1994 | Seevalaperi Pandi | Tamil | ||
| 1994 | Vaanga Partner Vaanga | Menaka | Tamil | |
| 1994 | Palnati Pourusham | Bala | Telugu | |
| 1994 | Samaram | Telugu | ||
| 1994 | Bhale Mavayya | Telugu | ||
| 1994 | Donga Rascal | Telugu | ||
| 1994 | President Gari Alludu | Telugu | ||
| 1994 | Bangaru Mogudu | Telugu | ||
| 1994 | Maro Quit India | Telugu | ||
| 1994 | CID Unnikrishnan B.A., B.Ed. | Malayalam | ||
| 1994 | Chinna | Kannada | ||
| 1994 | Makkala Sakshi | Item number | Kannada | |
| 1994 | Lockup Death | Item Number | Kannada | |
| 1994 | Gentleman Security | Item Dance | Malayalam | |
| 1994 | May Madham | Palakkattu Machanukku song | Tamil | |
| 1994 | Hero | Tamil | ||
| 1994 | Veera Padhakkam | Tamil | ||
| 1994 | Allarodu | Beauty Queen Sneha | Telugu | |
| 1995 | Play Girls | |||
| 1995 | Om Shakti Naag Shakti | |||
| 1995 | Karma | Item Dancer | Malayalam | |
| 1995 | Spadikam | Laila | Malayalam | |
| 1995 | Lucky Man | Tamil | ||
| 1995 | Vaanga Partner Vaanga | Tamil | ||
| 1995 | Raja Muthirai | Tamil | ||
| 1995 | Mazhavil Koodaram | Rathi Teacher | Malayalam | |
| 1995 | Hijack | Dalia | Malayalam | |
| 1995 | Bhale Bullodu | Item number | Telugu | |
| 1995 | Chilakapachcha Kaapuram | Telugu | ||
| 1995 | Subhamastu | Telugu | ||
| 1995 | Villadhi Villain | Tamil | ||
| 1995 | Thottil Kuzhandhai | Tamil | ||
| 1995 | Puthiya Aatchi | Item number | Tamil | |
| 1995 | Witness | Special role | Tamil | |
| 1995 | Special Squad | Madhumathi | Malayalam | |
| 1995 | Highway | Malayalam | ||
| 1995 | Kaattile Thadi Thevarude Aana | Malayalam | ||
| 1995 | Thumboli Kadappuram | Clara | Malayalam | |
| 1995 | Three Men Army | Item Dancer | Malayalam | |
| 1995 | Arabikadaloram | Vaishali | Malayalam | |
| 1995 | Ganeshana Galate | Contract Killer | Kannada | |
| 1995 | Muddayi Muddugumma | Telugu | ||
| 1995 | Aasthi Mooredu Asha Baaredu | Telugu | ||
| 1995 | Kondapalli Rattayya | Telugu | ||
| 1996 | Coimbatore Mappillai | Item Number | Tamil | |
| 1996 | Time Bomb | Malayalam, Hindi | ||
| 1996 | En Pondatti Collector | |||
| 1996 | Pallivathukkal Thommichan | Kathreena | Malayalam | |
| 1996 | K. L. 7/95 Ernakulam North | Malayalam | ||
| 1996 | Karnataka Suputhra | Kannada | ||
| 1996 | Sugavaasam | Malayalam | ||
| 1996 | Sulthan Hyderali | Volga | Malayalam | |
| 1996 | Kireedamillatha Rajakkanmar | Rajamma | Malayalam | |
| 1996 | Dominic Presentation | Item number | Malayalam | |
| 1996 | Hitlist | Malayalam | ||
| 1996 | Aavathum Pennale Azhivathum Pennale | item Number | Tamil | |
| 1996 | Pacha Thoranam | KanyaKumari | Telugu | |
| 1996 | Maa Aavida Collector | Telugu | ||
| 1996 | Subash | Item Number | Tamil | |
| 1996 | Rajali | Tamil | ||
| 1996 | Thirumbi Paar | Tamil | ||
| 1997 | Badmashon Ka Raja | |||
| 1998 | Mera Desh | |||
| 1998 | Haiwan |
Legacy
In 2011, a film inspired by Silk Smitha's life, titled The Dirty Picture, was produced in Hindi by Ekta Kapoor. The movie was directed by Milan Luthria and starred Vidya Balan. The movie was released on Smitha's birthday along with its dubbed versions in Tamil and Telugu and received favourable reviews. Reports suggest that the family of Silk Smitha, on whom the film is based, is not happy with the movie. Smitha's brother V. Naga Vara Prasad claimed the film was made without the family's consent. After the claim, Ekta Kapoor immediately changed her statement by quoting The Dirty Picture is not based on Silk Smitha's life.However, in 2013, a Kannada film titled , starring Pakistani actress Veena Malik was released. The film was based on Silk Smitha and Veena Malik was praised for her performance in the film. The film was a hit in Karnataka.
A Malayalam film titled Climax, starring Sana Khan as Silk Smitha released on 24 May 2013.