Vidya Balan not in Subbulakshmi film!

Speculations were rife about Vidya Balan acting in the biopic on the life and career of Bharat Ratna vocalist MS Subbulakshmi who passed away in  2004. It has been reported that the biopic was to be directed by cinematographer-filmmaker Rajiv Menon and that Vidya was excited about the project. It has now come to light that the actress has not even been approached for the film.

Says a source close to the actress, “Vidya was surprised to read reports that Rajiv Menon narrated the script to her and she had liked it. The truth is that he hasn’t even approached Vidya at all, so the question of her doing it doesn’t arise. In fact, Vidya is confused about where these stories are coming from.”

The speculation probably comes from the fact that Rajiv has spoken about how he wants Vidya to play Subbulakshmi as he wanted a South Indian actress who could carry off the younger and older Subbulakshmi with ease. Vidya looks the part and can pull it off better than any of her contemporaries. But the rumours of her having been cast are premature.

Vidya’s spokesperson confirms, “Vidya hasn’t been approached for Rajiv Menon’s biopic based on MS Subbulakshmi’s life so the question of her doing the film doesn’t arise.”

Rajiv Menon remained unavailable for comment.
Had the actress said yes, this would have been Vidya’s second biopic. Her first was The Dirty Picture dealing with the sensational aspects of Silk Smitha’s life and career.