Confirmed! Vidya Balan to play mathematics genius Shakuntala Devi in her biopic

There were unconfirmed reports few months ago about Vidya Balan playing the mathematics genius Shakuntala Devi in her biopic. The news is now confirmed. The film will be directed by Anu Menon and produced under Vikram Malhotra's Abunduntia Entertainment. 

Vidya is thrilled to have got this opportunity. “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 maths and she completely turns that perception on its head,” she said in an official statement. 

The actress is thrilled by the fact that a personality like Shakuntala Devi emerged from a small town. “I am thrilled that Vikram, who I’ve worked with on Kahaani (2012), and his team are producing the film. Vikram, Anu 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,” added Vidya. 

There were reports earlier this year about Sanya Malhotra to play Shakuntala Devi’s daughter in the film, but there has been no official announcement on that yet. 

Shakuntala Devi was known as the ‘Human Computer.’ Her mathematical aptitude earned her a place in The Guinness Book Of World Records in 1982. She astonished people with her calculating skills right from her childhood. She passed away in April 2013 at the age of 83. 

Menon has directed the film London Paris New York (2012) and the web-series Four More Shots Please! (2019).

“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,” the director said while speaking about the project. 

The film will go on floors later this year and is slated to release in the summer of 2020.