Vidya Balan's next project announced, actress plays the human computer 'Shakuntala Devi'

Vidya Balan is a name that has been associated with various biopics. She previously successfully played Silk Smitha in the movie The Dirty Picture and played wife to NTR in the biopic on the former journalist-turned-politician. The actress has now been finalized to play Shakuntala Devi, who is often known as 'human computer' thanks to her skills in mathematics.

Talking about the Shakuntala Devi the film, Vidya Balan 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.”

Vidya then spoke about working with Menon and film’s producer Vikram Malhotra and added, “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.”

Director Anu Menon also mentioned, “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 who has helped breathe life into this project.”

The movie is slated to release in theatres in summer next year. The lead actress Vidya Balan has Mission Mangal and Ajith starrer Pink remake titled Nerkonda Paarvai apart from the biopic on Shakuntala Devi. Vidya will wrap up the shooting of both her films before moving on to the biopic.