When 'Human Computer' Shakuntala Devi proved the computer wrong

Vidya Balan is all set to showcase her performance as the mathematical genius Shakuntala Devi in director Anu Menon's biopic by the same name. Shakuntala Devi was also known as the 'Human Computer.’ A video footage released by the makers from the film reveals how she received the title. 

Shakuntala Devi came by the sobriquet in 1950 when she was interviewed by the BBC. “Shakuntala Devi was given a complex maths problem to solve but she pointed out that the question given by the computer was incorrect. Nobody believed her then, until the next day when the channel realised that she was correct. Ever since, ‘Human Computer’ has become synonymous with Shakuntala Devi,” said an official statement from the makers. 

In order to add authenticity to the incident, the makers shot at the exact location where the BBC studio stood in the 1950s in London. 

Speaking about her experience of shooting that scene, Vidya said in the promo, “It was wonderful to be shooting there. You know actors want that, the real locations and when it has that sort of history and all, it makes it that much more real and relatable.” 

The film also depicts the troubled relationship between Shakuntala Devi and her daughter, Anupma, played by  Sanya Malhotra. According to an official statement, “Through this movie, we not only get to see her genius side but also her struggle of being a mother amidst her achievements.” 

Shakuntala Devi, produced by Sony Pictures and Abundantia Entertainment, will have its world premiere on 31 July on Amazon Prime. 

Watch the footage of the famous BBC interview from the film below: