Bollywood actress Vidya Balan has recently announced that she will be playing the role of Math Genius Shakuntala Devi in the biopic of the acclaimed human computer.
Vidya Balan to play Human Computer Shakuntala Devi
Sharing the news on her social media handle, an elated Vidya wrote, “BIG DAY 🌞! Excited to play the role of Math Genius, #ShakuntalaDevi. @ivikramix @directormenon and I are thrilled to bring to life the true story of ‘the human computer’ – a small-town Indian girl, who took the world by storm ! @abundantiaent
In theatres – Summer 2020.”
Vidya Balan shared her excitement with Bollywood Hungama and said, “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.
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Produced by Vikram Malhotra, under the banner of Abundantia, this film will be helmed by Anu Menon. The film is slated to go on floors this year and scheduled to hit the silver screens in summer 2020.