The big secret that the makers of Julie 2 are trying to hide is out. The film and its protagonist’s story is based on the life of a well-known glamorous actress of the ’90s and the 2000s.

This actress started her career with a Hindi movie with a Khan. However, it was her booming career in the South — in Tamil and Telugu cinema — that made her a superstar.

Her torrid affair with a married Tamil-Telugu superstar drove her out of the South film industry. The fans of the superstar threatened the actress with dire consequences if she broke his married life.

She then went on to become a big name in Bhojpuri movies, and in fact allegedly had an affair with a swashbuckling cricketer, an open secret in both the film industry and cricketing world.

Most of the above incidents and episodes from the actress’ life have been faithfully replicated in Julie 2.

Says actress Raai Laxmi, “I’m not denying the similarities between my character and the actress you’ve mentioned. These similarities are there. I don’t know if they’re deliberate or just coincidental.”

However, the presenter of Julie 2, Pahlaj Nihalani, clears the air. “It’s definitely based on the actress. In fact, one of the main actors, who is part of our cast, was also involved with her. We’re not naming her, as we don’t want our film to be stopped. But once the film opens on Friday, it will be obvious to all which real-life actress Raai Laxmi is playing.”

Does Pahlaj anticipate any legal trouble? “It’s possible that the actress may recognise herself and come forward. However, we’ve made sure she’s not mentioned anywhere, in any of the press meets,” he says.