Anu Menon

The announcement of Anu Menons film Shakuntala Devi starring Vidya Balan was made recently and has generated quite a buzz already. The film is based on the life of the mathematics genius, or human computer Shakuntala Devi who was known for her ability to make incredibly swift calculations. The film also stars Sanya Malhotra playing Shakuntala Devis daughter Anupama in the film. Theres now an exciting addition to the cast. Actor Amit Sadh has joined the team and will be seen essaying the role of Anupamas husband and Shakuntala Devis son-in-law in the film. Speaking about the film, Amit Sadh says, When I read the script I got to know so much more about the life of the incredible Shakuntala Devi. Im very excited to join a cast featuring a powerhouse talent like Vidya Balan and the amazing Sanya Malhotra. I look forward to bring Ajays character alive on the big screen. The Sultan actor further went on to talk about his collaboration with director Anu Menon. He says, Ive been working with Anu for the last couple of weeks. I respect her craft and precision. Her way of directing and storytelling has enhanced my performance each day. She has helped me understand Ajays character and narrative in context to the overall story in a very engaging manner. Anu says, Amit has such a credible and charismatic presence in the film that his character forms the perfect foil to the two women, Shakuntala & Anu. As an actor, he totally compliments the craft that Vidya and Sanya bring to the film. Working with him has been sheer joy, he gives in 1000% of himself and his passion is palpable and satisfying for a director. The film is presently been shot in Mumbai after a detailed UK schedule.Produced by Sony Pictures Networks Productions and Vikram Malhotra and directed by Anu Menon, Shakuntala Devi will see a worldwide release in the summer of 2020. ALSO READ: Vidya Balan starrer Shakuntala Devi biopic to have Amit Sadh play her son-in-law?

Bollywood actress Vidya Balan has been the face of women-centric films for the longest time. The actress who is one of the five female leads in the upcoming Independence Day release Mission Mangal is currently busy promoting the film. The actress is also set to play the role of the mathematical genius Shakunthala Devi for her next project. Directed by Anu Menon, the film is scheduled to hit the screens in the summer of 2020. Talking about the film, the Tumhari Sullu actress said that it would be fun knowing and essaying the crazy fun side of the mathematician. Balan also said that math was the only straight side of her and that makes Shakunthala Devis life all the more interesting. Shakunthala Devis expertise was discovered when she was 5 and solved a math problem of 18-year-old students. The film is scheduled to go on floors in October this year. The actress was also approached for another biopic on a strong personality. She was the first choice to play the late Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, J Jayalalithaa which later went on to Kangana Ranaut.The actress had to turn down the offer as she had already secured the rights on Indira Gandhis bookto turn it into a web series. The actress also said that if both the project were a few years apart, she would have done it. The web series on Indira Gandhi will mark the debut of Vidya Balan in the digital space. The series will be produced by Ronnie Screwvala.The actress said that the web series will be consuming a lot of time as there is a lot of material to put together.

Vidya Balan has a special connection to biopics. The actress has already starred in The Dirty Picture , now she will be seen in upcoming NTR biopic followed by Mission Mangal.Last month, it was reported that the actress has been reportedly approached for Shakuntala Devi biopic which will be helmed by filmmaker Anu Menon and produced by Ronnie Screwvala.Now, it seems like Dangal girl Sanya Malhotra has been roped in for the film. If the sources are to be believed, Sanya Malhotra was approached by the makers and they have her on board for this biopic. Sanya, who was last seen in Vishal Bhardwajs Pataakha and Amit Sharmas sleeper hit Badhaai Ho , seems like she is choosing interesting projects. While there hasnt been any announcement on the project yet, the project already looks exciting. Shakuntala Devi was an Indian writer and mental calculator who was popularly known as the human computer. She had written several books including novels on astrology, mathematics among others. The writer had even published the book The World of Homosexuals and extended her thoughts on homosexuality. On the work front, Sanya Malhotra will be starring alongside Nawazuddin Siddiqui in Ritesh Batras Photograph which will be screened at Sundance Film Festival 2019. She has been roped to feature alongside Aditya Roy Kapur in Anurag Basus next. Also Read: Sanya Malhotra to feature alongside Aditya Roy Kapur in Anurag Basus next

Vidya Balan has a special connection to biopics. Starting with The Dirty Picture , the actress name has been associated with the stories of many intriguing personalities and the buzz continues. Recent reports have it that Vidya Balan has been approached to play the role of Shakuntala Devi in her biopic by filmmaker Anu Menon. While the actress is said to have given a positive response, other modalities are reportedly still in process. Known for her strong roles in films like Kahaani series and even the recent Tumhari Sulu , Vidya Balan has always been associated with female centric films. This time around she has been apparently approached to play the role of a human calculator. Well, that is what Shakuntala Devi was fondly known as. Her intelligence and her mathematical skills left many in awe. From being a genius mathematician to an astrologer to a writer, Shakuntala Devi has many feathers to her cap. On the other hand, despite belonging to a completely different generation, she was also a complete supporter of homosexuality and has extended her thoughts and opinions in her book The World of Homosexuals. Reports have it that Vidya is yet to sign on the dotted line. Anu is said to be currently in the final stages of scripting and has researched a lot about the film. Once all of it is completed, the team is expected to start the prep. Currently, it has been learnt that the makers are keen on taking the biopic on floor sometime next year. It is said to be produced by Ronnie Screwvala.Interestingly, Vidya Balan is busy with another biopic as of now. The actress will be starring as Basavatarakam, wife of Telugu superstar and politician NT Rama Rao in the latters biopic. The film is expected to hit the big screens as a two part series in January. On the other hand, the actress will be reuniting with Akshay Kumar in Mission Mangal , which also stars Taapsee Pannu and Sonakshi Sinha.Also Read: Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan commence work on R. Balkis Mission Mangal