 The Dirty Picture is a 2011 Indian biographical drama film inspired by the life of Silk Smitha , a South Indian actress noted for her erotic roles . The filmmakers have clarified that the story is not officially or literally based on Smitha alone , but on many of her Southern contemporaries such as Disco Shanti . It also resembles the personal lives of other women in popular culture , including Hollywood actress and sex symbol Marilyn Monroe . The film was directed by Milan Luthria and co @-@ produced by Shobha Kapoor and Ekta Kapoor , after Ekta came up with the idea and asked screenwriter Rajat Aroraa to pen a story based on it . 
