Vidya Balan to play Shakuntala Devi, human computer

Versatile actress Vidya Balan is all set to essay the role of math genius Shakuntala Devi, popularly known as the human computer.

Directed by Anu Menon, the film will be produced by Vikram Malhotra-led Abundantia Entertainment.

The actress, director and the producer all tweeted, on Wednesday, confirming the development. The biopic is yet to be titled but is expected to go on floors soon.

"BIG DAY! Excited to play the role of Math Genius, #ShakuntalaDevi. @vikramix @anumenon1805 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! @Abundantia_Ent. In theatres - Summer 2020," the 40-year-old Vidya Balan said in posts on Twitter and Instagram.

Menon tweeted: "So thrilled with this incredible opportunity to direct my fav actor @vidya_balan to tell the story of a genius who lived ahead of her times, the amazing Shakuntala Devi. Thanks @vikramix for the faith, love n support. Let's do this! @misschamko @NayanikaMahtani @ShikhaaSharma03"

Malhotra tweeted: "#ShakuntalaDevi Big Day, indeed! Super happy to partner with you once again @vidya_balan".

Shakuntala Devi (November 4, 1929 – April 21, 2013) finds mention in The Guinness Book of World Records for her extraordinary calculating and computing capabilities. She also wrote several books including The World of Homosexuals, which is considered to be the first study of homosexuality in India.

Vidya Balan had played the role of Silk Smitha in the latter's biopic, Dirty Picture.

In a statement, she 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.”

"How incredible that ‘The Math Genius’, ‘The Human Computer’, was a small-town Indian girl, who took the world by storm," she added.