If reliable sources are to be believed, celebrated writer-journalist Shobhaa De is all set to star in Ekta Kapoor's The Dirty Picture. She will play Devyani Chaubal, a journalist during the time of actress Silk Smitha, on whom the film is based. Vidya Balan plays the title role.

Chaubal was a gossip columnist in Bollywood then, who was known to use her acid pen to lash out at stars.

Casting this character has been matter of much concern for the makers of The Dirty Picture.

Says a source from Ekta Kapoor's Balaji Films, "Believe me, it was easier casting Silk Smitha than finding the the right actress to play Devyani Chaubal. Somehow, that synthesis of  spice and spite just didn't fit into any known and skilled actress. We needed someone who understood the politics of gossip journalism."

Now, the makers have zeroed in on the right 'actress' to play Devyani. Shobhaa De is apparently seen as the best candidate.

Says a Balaji source, "Please don't quote me. But Ekta is sold on Shobhaa De to play Devyani. Ekta feels no one else can play the part. And Ekta is very close to Shobhaa. She is determined to convince Shobhaa to do the part."