Sanya Malhotra has joined Vidya Balan as part of the cast of the upcoming biopic on “human computer” Shakuntala Devi. The Badhaai Ho actor will play Shakuntala Devi’s daughter Anupama Banerji in the film.
“I am very excited to play the iconic Shakuntala Devi's daughter - Anupama Banerji. Everyone knows the achievements of the math genius Shakuntala Devi. I'm thrilled to bring on screen this dynamic mother - daughter relationship and equally thrilled to work with Vidya Balan. Also looking forward to my first association with Sony Pictures Networks Productions and Vikram Malhotra,” Sanya said in a statement.
The film’s director Anu Menon said she found Sanya perfect for the role. “When I met my namesake Anupama Banerji, Shakuntala's daughter, I went to find the story of a maths whiz, but through spending time with Anupama, I found the story of a woman who was not just a computer but human too. And I can't think of a better person than Sanya who can capture the love of daughter for her indefinable mother,” she said.
She added, “Sanya instinctively understood the character and her journey - and I can't wait to start shooting with her. I think the audience will fall in love with both Sanya's and Vidya's characters.”
The makers had earlier released the first look of Vidya Balan as Shakuntala Devi sporting a saree and short bob.
Shakuntala Devi was nicknamed ‘human computer’ for her ability to memorise and compute numbers in record time. This talent earned her a spot in The Guinness Book of World Records in 1982. She also authored several books on subjects such as arithmetic, puzzles and astrology. Her book, The World of Homosexuals, is considered to be the first study of homosexuality in India.
Math Genius is scheduled to go on floors by the end of September and is up for a summer 2020 release.
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