In her first look as Shakeela, Richa Chadha, dressed in a Kerala Kasavu saree, looks demure — an image far removed from that of her muse. Directed by Indrajit Lankesh, the biopic will apparently offer an honest insight into the reticent, almost shy woman behind the sex siren of the '90s.

Having kicked off the first schedule in Karnataka, Chadha says, "The story traces Shakeela's journey from her younger days to her becoming a popular figure in the South. To create distinct looks as the story moves forward, is challenging. As an actor, it's gratifying to grow with the character on celluloid. I wish to do complete justice to Shakeela with this film."