When actor Vidya Balan was asked that at a time when every other actor in Bollywood seemed to be trying to please the current BJP government, why had she chosen to play India’s first female Prime Minister and Congress mascot Indira Gandhi in an forthcoming web series, she said, “When I think of powerful women, Indira Gandhi is the first name which comes to my mind. I am very party agnostic. I have nothing to do with any political party. The web series is not about any political party, it is about an individual who goes beyond the party.”
The actor was asked about the schedule of the shoot of the web series. “Not any time soon. It’s going to take time because it’s a web series and that requires a lot of work to put things together. So it may take a couple of years to start the shoot,” said Vidya.
She will soon be seen playing Shakuntala Devi in a forthcoming biopic of the renowned mathematician. On working in the film after Mission Mangal, she said, “From science to maths, my best dream comes true this year. Most South Indians pursue science and maths, and I am sure my parents will now be satisfied that I traverse both worlds within one year faster than the rest of them did!”
Asked about her preparations for her role of Shakuntala Devi, she said, “It is not just about maths. Anyway, I am going to fake it. The makers of the film are going to give me the answers that I will write on board. I think I need to be familiar with the person more than the subject. She was the only computer in the world with a wicked sense of humour and I am actually trying to imbibe that quality. Since she also had an incredible journey, I am feeling nervous about playing her character in the film.”