Vidya Balan Set For A Biopic, Will Play Human Computer Shakuntala Devi

Set for summer 2020 release, the biopic on Shakuntala Devi will be directed by Anu Menon & produced by Vikram Malhotra-led, Abundantia Entertainment. Vidya Balan will play the Math genius

6681 Reads |  

Vidya Balan Set For A Biopic, Will Play Human Computer Shakuntala Devi
Good news for Vidya Balan’s fans! The talent powerhouse will be seen playing Math Genius, Shakuntala Devi on-screen. Produced by Abundantia Entertainment, led-by Vikram Malhotra and directed by Anu Menon, the film will hit screens in 2020.

A thrilled Vidya Balan says, “I am extremely excited to play the human computer, Shakuntala Devi, on the big screen. She was truly someone who embraced her individuality, had a strong feminist voice and braved many a naysayer to reach the pinnacle of success. But what truly fascinates me is that you wouldn’t normally associate a fun person with Math...and she completely turns that perception on its head. I am thrilled that Vikram, who I’ve worked with on Kahaani, and his team are producing the film. Vikram (Malhotra), Anu (Menon) and I are proud to bring to life the story of one of the most inspiring women of this country. How incredible that ‘The Math Genius’, ‘The Human Computer’, was a small-town Indian girl, who took the world by storm.”



Shakuntala Devi, the mathematical wizard, or ‘human computer’ a moniker she earned, was known for her ability to make incredibly swift calculations. Shakuntala’s genius was first discovered at the age of 5, when she solved a math problem for 18-year-old students. Though she never received any formal education, her talent for numbers also earned her a place in the 1982 edition of The Guinness Book of World Records.

Anu Menon, who has directed London, Paris, New York and the much-talked about Amazon Prime Original, Four More Shots Please is equally elated to helm the project. She says, “Shakuntala Devi was an extraordinary woman, who lived ahead of her times and on her own terms, unapologetically.  Her love for numbers and the passion with which she spread the joy of maths, against all odds is truly fascinating. Shakuntala is a true heroine for our times. And who else can capture the spirit of a woman like Shakuntala than the incredible Vidya Balan. We have spent months together in script development and it’s been nothing short of exhilarating. I also feel incredibly lucky to collaborate with Vikram (Malhotra) on this journey, who has helped breathe life into this project. I hope all of us together can do justice to the life of Shakuntala, who was truly one of her kind.


Image Source:Instagram/vidyabalan