Vidya Balan's first look from ‘Human Computer Shakuntala Devi’ biopic out
Mumbai, Sep 16: Principal photography of Vidya Balan's next on math genius Shakuntala Devi commenced on Monday.
Directed by Anu Menon, "Shakuntala Devi - Human Computer" is produced by Sony Pictures Networks Productions and Vikram Malhotra-led Abundantia Entertainment.
"I have always been fascinated by Shakuntala Devi and truly felt that hers is an incredible story that had to be told. She was an extraordinary woman, who lived ahead of her times and on her own terms, unapologetically," Menon said in a statement.
"From Vidya to the rest of the cast and crew, and my producers Vikram and Sony Pictures Networks Productions, I am so glad that all the elements have come together for us to put our best foot forward. I'm delighted that everyone will finally get to witness it on the big screen," she added.
Shakuntala Devi, the mathematical wizard, was known for her ability to make incredibly swift calculations. Shakuntala's genius was first discovered at the age of 5, when she solved a math problem for 18-year-old students.
Vidya also took to social media to share the news.
"Excitement is multiplying each day! Time to dig into the 'root' of the mathematical genius, #ShakuntalaDevi. #FilmingBegins," the actor wrote on Twitter.
She also shared the poster of the film.
"On very few occasions, you get an opportunity to tell a story of an individual who has had a journey that has inspired the entire world. The achievements of Shakuntala Devi are unparalleled globally...
"Vikram and his team are great to work with and Vidya is someone I wanted to work with forever! I am looking forward to beginning this new association and bring this phenomenal story to our audience," Sneha Rajani, Studio Head, Sony Pictures Networks Productions said.
Menon has written the story along with Nayanika Mahtani. Ishita Moitra has penned the dialogues.
The makers are aiming for a summer 2020 release.
She was extraordinary, in every sense of the word! Know the story of the child prodigy & the human computer, #ShakuntalaDevi @sonypicsprodns @Abundantia_Ent @anumenon1805 @vikramix @SnehaRajani pic.twitter.com/P2PAqPp5Tt
— vidya balan (@vidya_balan) September 16, 2019
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Congress using hijab issue to pacify minority anger, alleges Karnataka LoP R Ashoka
Bengaluru: Leader of Opposition in the Assembly R. Ashoka has accused the Congress government of using the hijab issue to placate what he described as discontent among minority voters after the Davanagere by-election.
In a post on X on Wednesday, Ashoka alleged that the state government, instead of addressing issues such as price rise, corruption, farmers’ distress and law and order, was attempting to retain its minority vote base by reviving the hijab issue.
Referring to the 2022 dress code introduced by the BJP government, which prohibited hijab in schools and colleges, Ashoka said the Karnataka High Court had upheld the policy and emphasised the importance of discipline in educational institutions.
He questioned the Congress government’s move to revisit the issue and asked whether setting aside the court-backed policy to benefit one community could be described as secularism.
Ashoka further alleged that while the government was willing to permit hijab, it continued to prohibit saffron shawls.
He accused the government of dividing students on religious lines rather than treating schools and colleges as spaces of equality.
Drawing a comparison with Mamata Banerjee’s government in West Bengal, Ashoka claimed that excessive appeasement politics had harmed the state and warned that the Congress in Karnataka could face a similar political response.
He said voters in Karnataka would teach the Congress a lesson for what he termed “vote-bank politics” and for compromising constitutional and judicial principles.
