Vidya Balan and Anupama Banerjee

Shakuntala Devi director Anu Menon on how math wiz's daughter and she came together to celebrate the legend
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; July 28, 2020)

It is difficult to condense the life of Shakuntala Devi — glorious in its achievements and fraught with its share of troubles — into a two-hour story. But at the onset, director Anu Menon knew that her film would go beyond her muse's magic with math. "I knew I wanted to tell the story through her daughter's perspective," says the director, sitting in her London home, over a Zoom call. Less than a week away from the release of Shakuntala Devi on Amazon Prime Video, she is elated that her efforts of the past three years have come to fruition.

Fascinated with Devi's unique journey that took her from a modest family in Bengaluru to around the world, co-writer Nayanika Mahtani and she were developing a script around the math wiz. However, Menon believes that the story truly came alive when they met her daughter, Anupama Banerjee, in 2016. "My agent found Anupama. Despite being far removed from Bollywood, I think she was receptive to me because we lived in the same city. Nayanika and I met her at a café where she came with her husband and two daughters," she recounts.

Though it had been three years since Devi had passed away, Menon remembers that the loss was "still fresh for Anupama" then. "Her daughter was grappling with this void in her life. I realised that she wanted to find a way to celebrate her mother, her amazing life, and their relationship. [Making a movie] seemed like a cathartic way of dealing with it. [The meeting convinced me to] tell the story from the prism of her daughter rather than that of an outsider."

Even as her achievements remain unparalleled, Menon says the Vidya Balan starrer aims to humanise the much celebrated genius. "I wanted to focus on the fact that you could be a genius yet fail at other things and be okay with it. It seemed like a far more powerful message than just documenting all her achievements. [After watching the film,] Anupama and her family said, 'You captured the woman we knew, what she stood for and what really made her, her.'"

The beauty of women telling women's stories lies in the sensitivity and empathy that the director brings through her gaze. Menon — who previously directed the sophomore season of Four More Shots Please — says that the biopic aims to shatter the belief that motherhood is the be-all and end-all of a woman's existence, in a much needed departure from commercial Hindi films that treats on-screen mothers as "devtas". "We have highlighted what is expected of women as mothers and how Shakuntala figured her way around it. Sometimes, she did it successfully, and at other times, not so much. So, if people call their mothers [after the movie], I think my job is done."

Bringing the math wiz's story to screen, Vidya Balan on how upcoming release Shakuntala Devi challenges the idea of self-sacrificial mother propagated by films
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 25, 2020)

On turning 40 last year, Vidya Balan had famously said in an interview that she wants to focus on loving her life in this all-important decade. It is not surprising then that Shakuntala Devi's zest for life strongly resonated with her. "We both know how to laugh our heart out. When Anu [Menon, director] came to me, I assumed it's the story of the math wiz, but with the script, I unearthed the person behind the genius. She lived her life on her own terms. She wanted to reach for the stars and did not want to be made feel guilty about being an overachiever," marvels Balan, who brings the story of the 'Human Computer' on celluloid with Shakuntala Devi.

The actor — who has shattered many a stereotype with her films — remembers how at the Mumbai Film Festival press conference, a few years ago, she had expressed her desire to change the way mothers are portrayed on screen. With the Amazon Prime Video offering exploring Devi's blow-hot-and-cold equation with daughter Anupama, she is proud to have walked the talk. "Women are conditioned to believe that once they embrace motherhood, it's the be-all and end-all of their existence. But Shakuntala loved the fame, the money and her shows [that took her] around the world. Her child couldn't fathom why she needed to be a genius instead of being a 'regular' mother. There's nothing wrong with a child wanting to be the centre of her mother's world, but this story depicts how women need to be the centre of their own world."

Biopics tend to be designed as underdog stories, but the actor knew that the magic of her muse lay in her flamboyance. "I was clear that she isn't an underdog. We never wanted to play down her swag. She wrote a book on homosexuality and petitioned to decriminalise 377, way back in 1977."

It was widely reported that Devi's husband, Paritosh Banerji, was closeted homosexual. Acknowledging that the biopic addresses it all, Balan says, "She scripted the narrative of her life, we have painted it in all its glory."

Jisshu Sengupta, who is set to star in Shakuntala Devi and Sadak 2, on making a career shift to Bollywood
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; July 9, 2020)

Jisshu Sengupta, the blue-eyed boy of the Bengali film industry, has actively made a shift to Bollywood. With two films ready for release — Shakuntala Devi with Vidya Balan and Sadak 2 helmed by Mahesh Bhatt — the actor claims this is the rebirth of his career. "Though I have been doing Hindi films since Shyam Benegal's Bose: The Forgotten Hero [2004], I knew I had to move cities after Manikarnika [2019]. Coming to Mumbai was never on my mind [until then]. Two years ago, I decided to come out of my comfort zone. I am a Lokhandwala lad now!"

Sengupta seems to be at ease with the daunting new phase of his life. "It never came across as a step down. Screen space doesn't determine your merit; performance does. People are familiar with my work in the Bengali films, especially the ones with Rituparno Ghosh," says the actor, adding that his co-star Vidya Balan makes it delightful. "I am a huge fan of Vidya, the actor, but she is an even better human being and colleague on set. She has the knack to break the ice and crack these witty one-liners that put you right at ease. While she has worked with Srijit Mukherji in Begum Jaan [2017], Vidya said she loved me in the original version, Rajkahini [2015]."

Though tight-lipped about the film that premieres on Amazon Prime Video on July 31, Sengupta reveals his decision to come on board. He says, "I loved the character of Shakuntala's husband Paritosh Banerji, and how beautifully he understood his wife. The director [Anu Menon] did a thorough job with the character. I learnt everything about Paritosh from the literature she provided me on him."

But he credits Sadak 2 for helping him come on his own again. "There's something about Mahesh Bhatt that made me feel more myself than I have ever felt. After the death of my mentor-friend Ritu Da, I stopped working for eight months as a part of me had died with him. But when I was on set with Bhatt saab, I felt the actor in me came alive again."'

Even as she earns immense praise for Four More Shots Please 2, director Nupur Asthana is happy to pass the baton to Tannishtha Chatterjee for next season
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; May 19, 2020)

When she had joined the team of Four More Shots Please for its sophomore season, she had barely imagined that the edition — developed under her watchful eyes — would go on to become the most watched Indian show on Amazon Prime of the year so far. As she took on the directorial duties from Anu Menon, Nupur Asthana says her objective was to make the protagonists relatable even as they downed tequila in Istanbul and flaunted Balenciaga bags.

"Since I was directing all 10 episodes, I could approach the season with a blank slate. I didn't have to follow any blueprint in terms of the storytelling. It is a fashion-forward show, so, the girls will be well-dressed, but my aim was to make them more real," explains Asthana.

From body shaming to workplace gender inequality, the instalment has been applauded for touching on various women's issues through its protagonists — essayed by Kirti Kulhari, Sayani Gupta, Maanvi Gagroo and Bani J. Asthana credits the win to the all-women force at work, from the writers to the cast. "I went with my instinct. My crew and cast did extensive workshops, we had free-flowing chats then and bared our hearts. That made things easier. They understood what I was trying to do and how I wanted their characters to grow on screen. I have worked with the writers [Ishita Moitra and Devika Bhagat] before. It was an exhilarating ride for me."

With praise coming in for the second season, one would expect her to helm the next instalment. However, Asthana is only too happy to pass the baton to actor-director Tannishtha Chatterjee. "They [Amazon Prime and creator Rangita Nandy] were keen on having me on board for season three too, but I was exhausted. I had finished working on the show on January 15; to go back to it in a few months [would have been too much]. I need time to recharge my batteries. Also, in order to create a fresh look with the same material, roping in a new director is the right way forward."

Director of Vidya Balan-starrer Shakuntala Devi confirms biopic on math wiz will follow Big B's Gulabo Sitabo in releasing directly on Amazon Prime
Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; May 15, 2020)

Yesterday, Amitabh Bachchan tugged at heartstrings with a post that said he had "seen many changes and challenges" throughout his 51-year career, and was gearing up for yet another — the direct-to-web release of his film, Gulabo Sitabo. As Shoojit Sircar's offering became the front-runner among big-budget offerings to skip a cinematic release amid the lockdown, mid-day learns that Vidya Balan's film on math wiz Shakuntala Devi, also known as the Human-Computer, will join the list of movies heading directly to Amazon Prime Video.

Director Anu Menon tells mid-day, "I'm excited that the film will have its world première on Amazon Prime Video, and everyone will experience Shakuntala's incredible journey and Vidya's magical portrayal of her. Shakuntala's passion for math, and her determination to spread its joy to the world, was unparalleled. She lived ahead of her times and on her own terms. As we strive to change the narrative of the female protagonist on-screen, her story is one that [ought] to be told. No one could capture her wit and wisdom as well as Vidya did."

The development follows the announcement that Bachchan and Ayushmann Khurrana's Gulabo Sitabo will release on the platform on June 12. Addressing the OTT release, Sircar said in an interview, "[I was told the film will] simultaneously release in 200 countries. I have never had a release of this scale."

Vijay Subramaniam, director and head of content at the web platform says, "With India's most-anticipated films premiering exclusively on Prime Video, [we plan to] bring the cinematic experience to [people's] doorstep."

Adding a layer of romance to math genius Shakuntala Devi's life, Jisshu Sengupta on playing husband to Vidya Balan in the film
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; November 11, 2019)

Coming off films like Piku, Mardaani and more recently, Manikarnika - The Queen Of Jhansi, popular Bengali actor Jisshu Sengupta is now set to romance Vidya Balan in the upcoming Shakuntala Devi biopic, headlined by the latter. While inevitably taken by her acting prowess, Sengupta is all praise for Balan's ability to tickle the funny bone. "It's always fun to be around her. She's jovial and makes everyone laugh. We have shot some beautiful scenes together and I am looking forward to the audience to watch them."

Even though Anu Menon's directorial venture on the math wiz will explore her talent with numbers, Sengupta assures us that there's sufficient meat in Devi's love life as well. "Paritosh [Devi's husband and his character] and Shakuntala have beautiful chemistry, and our director has created magic. We did many reading sessions and rehearsed on set. Vidya gives he co-actors sufficient space, and we'd keep improvising our scenes until our director would say, 'Got it!'."

Moving base to Mumbai to focus on Bollywood films, Sengupta says he's looking forward to being part of mainstream cinema. "I just wrapped up Sadak 2, and am reading some scripts, apart from also meeting people [filmmakers]."

Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; October 7, 2019)

As she continues to replicate the genius of Shakuntala Devi for a cinematic portrayal of her life, Vidya Balan is enjoying the perks afforded to her owing to the accomplishments of the math whiz. Balan, who is filming for Anu Menon’s directorial venture in London, has received an invite from the Imperial College.

The London university was instrumental in furthering Devi’s career, as she earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records (1982) for multiplying two 13-digit numbers in 28 seconds, at this school.

At the event that will be held today, Balan will discuss Devi’s life and laurels with the students of the university. Balan says, “The college is an important part of Shakuntala Devi’s life. It is also a part of our film, even though no official shooting schedule has been planned at the venue. Her achievement at this university was an important part of her life, and that will be incorporated in the film.”

Sanya Malhotra shares her on-screen avatar of Shakuntala Devi's daughter Anupama Banerji in Vidya Balan-fronted film on the math genius
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; October 4, 2019)

"I hardly straighten my hair," says Sanya Malhotra, whose latest role requires her to sit in the make-up room as her hairdresser turns her lustrous curls, poker-straight. The actor is currently shooting for the Shakuntala Devi biopic, directed by Anu Menon, in London. If Vidya Balan plays the math genius, Malhotra slips into the role of Anupama Banerji, Devi's daughter.

She reveals that she has thoroughly enjoyed the process of creating her look, modelled on Banerji. "I believe hair, makeup and costume play an important part in an actor's attempt to portray their roles. Playing real-life characters start with acing the look. Even for Dangal [2016], I had to cut my hair short to look like Babita [Phogat]."

The actor met Banerji in the Queen's city before the film went on floors. "We discussed the relationship she shared with her mother. I also did some readings with Anu and Vidya before the first schedule."

As Vidya Balan kicks off biopic shoot, the team shares the first look of the actor as Shakuntala Devi
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; September 16, 2019)

Four months after she gave her nod to the project, Vidya Balan is set to kick off the biopic on Shakuntala Devi in London today. Known to sink her teeth into the characters she essays, Balan used the interim months to familiarise herself with the miracle worker that was Devi, tapping as much into her mathematical skills that earned her the title of Human Computer as into her "wicked sense of humour" that made her much loved among her peers. Only weeks after a picture of the actor from the film's look test went viral, the makers have shared Balan's first look as Shakuntala Devi. Flaunting a short bob and a saree, she is a spitting image of the math wizard.

Director Anu Menon is ecstatic to take her passion project on floors. "I have always been fascinated by Shakuntala Devi and 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," says Menon of the Karnataka-born Devi, whose genius was first discovered at the age of five when she apparently solved a mathematical problem designed for 18-year-old students.

In an earlier interview to mid-day, Balan too had expressed her enthusiasm to explore the woman behind the genius. "What drew me to the subject was her magnetic personality and the life that she led," she had said.

Vinay M R Mishra (DNA; July 31, 2019)

While Vidya Balan is all set to play the mathematics wizard Shakuntala Devi in Anu Menon’s upcoming biopic, the makers have found an actor to play the ‘human computer’s on-screen husband. According to our source, Bengali actor Jisshu Sengupta, has signed on the dotted line.

The insider states, “Jisshu will play Shakuntala’s husband Paritosh Banerji. Since he originally hailed from Kolkata, the makers found the actor perfect to play the role. His character is one of the most integral parts in the narrative.” Paritosh, who was an IAS officer from Kolkata, and Shakuntala were married in the mid-1960s when Devi returned to India from London. They separated in 1979.

The actor will soon kick-start filming. This is not the first time that Paa actress and the Manikarnika - The Queen Of Jhansi actor are sharing the screen space. They were earlier seen in NTR Kathanayakudu, where Jisshu had a cameo.

We called up Jisshu and dropped him a text, but there was no response till the time of going to press.

Zee Media Newsroom

DNA (May 9, 2019)

It’s all about numbers in Bollywood, whether the ranking of stars or the moolah a movie rakes in. Now, it seems to be extending to movie subjects, too. As Hrithik Roshan’s Super 30 readies for a July 26 release, comes the news of a biopic on another numbers expert, Shakuntala Devi. Vidya Balan has signed up to essay the role of the ‘human computer’ for her speed and accuracy in calculating numerical problems, which won her a place in the 1982 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records. The film will be helmed by Anu Menon, who has previously directed Waiting (2016) and London Paris New York (2012).

The Tumhari Sulu actress shared the news on social media saying, “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! (sic).” The biopic is likely to release in the summer of 2020.

Vidya says, “Shakuntala Devi 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 Maths... and she completely turns that perception on its head. I am thrilled that Vikram (producer Vikram Malhotra), whom I’ve worked with on Kahaani, and his team are producing the film. Vikram, Anu and I are excited to be bringing to life the story of one of the most inspiring women of this country.”

Asked how the idea came about, Anu, who is winning laurels for her web series Four More Shots Please!, says, “I have always been passionate about telling positive female narratives - to show their contribution to maths and science. And Shakuntala Devi is the ultimate role model.” As for casting Vidya in the title role, she states, “From the day I decided to tell this story, I have only imagined Vidya. There is no other actor who can capture the spirit of Shakuntala.”

Interestingly, the two women have already begun their journey on this movie together. “Vidya has been an incredible partner in this journey. We have been developing it together, piece by piece, for a long time,” says Anu, adding, “She is the most generous actor that a writer could ask for, willing to go into all kind of spaces to find the truth.”

Considering that Shakuntala Devi also contested polls against Indira Gandhi in Medak (now in Telangana) in 1980, will the biopic cover all aspects or focus more on the numerical genius? “We have a perspective which will be revealed at the right time,” is all the director is willing to reveal at this point.

Anu sums up saying, “The world has seen the computer side of the Human-Computer - we hope to dig deep into the human side to understand what makes her extraordinary.”

Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 5, 2018)

Vidya Balan bagged her first National Award for a character modelled on the late South actress Silk Smitha in Milan Luthria’s The Dirty Picture seven years ago and in 2016 was seen as Geeta Bali in Shekhar Sartandel’s Marathi film Ekk Albela. She is currently playing Telugu actorpolitician Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao’s (NTR) wife, Basavatarakam, in Krish’s upcoming biopic. Now, Mirror has learnt that the actress has shown interest in the true-life story of mathematician Shakuntala Devi. The film will be directed by Anu Menon and produced by Ronnie Screwvala.

“Vidya found the story really inspiring when Anu approached her but is yet to sign the project. Anu has researched a lot for the film which is currently in the final stages of scripting, following which the team will start on an extensive prep. The film is likely to roll sometime next year,” informs a source.

Popularly known as the ‘human computer’, Shakuntala Devi’s talent for numbers earned her a place in the 1982 edition of The Guinness Book of World Records. Born in Bangalore, to an orthodox Brahmin family, she has written a number of books, including novels, as well as texts on mathematics, puzzles, and astrology. Her father discovered her ability to memorise numbers while teaching her a card trick when she was about three years old and at six, she demonstrated her arithmetic abilities at the University of Mysore. She moved to London with her father in 1944 and has travelled the world, including a tour of Europe in 1950 and a performance in New York City in 1976.

Anu made her directorial debut with the 2012 romcom London, Paris, New York, featuring Ali Zafar and Aditi Rao Hydari, and four years later returned with the sensitive Naseeruddin Shah-Kalki Koechlin starrer Waiting. When Mirror reached out to Anu, she said shortly, “It’s too early to comment. We are still writing the script - nothing is confirmed.” 

Anu Menon talks about the dynamics of movie-making and the challenges women filmmakers face
Harshada Rege (DNA; May 28, 2016)


Her sentences are peppered with Hindi words and phrases. “I am a Tam-Bram who grew up in Delhi,” she explains. “I moved from Delhi to Bangalore to Singapore. When I was in Singapore, I felt the need to do something more,” she says. That need turned out to be quite a journey for the filmmaker, who is all set to release her second feature film Waiting, which features Naseeruddin Shah and Kalki Koechlin. Her first venture was the Ali Zafar-Aditi Rao Hydari-starrer London Paris New York. Anu is currently in Mumbai for the release of Waiting. Here, she talks about the dynamics of the movie business and what she wishes was different...

Did you always want to make films?
There always was that thing. But films were not for us. It was something that others did. I was in advertising, a strategy planner. Then, when I went to London, I joined the London Film School for a three-year course. I remember, the first time I came down to Mumbai, I was six months pregnant. I don’t know what people thought about me. I was walking around with a huge baby bump and a script in hand.

Does taking one’s movie to film festivals help a movie like Waiting?
With films like this, you can travel internationally. It’s tempting to reach out to a larger audience. If you make a film and stay true to it, it travels a lot. When we went to the Dubai Film Festival, we got a great response. Love and loss are universal. If you have someone in the hospital, then you are waiting for them to get well. Whether you are sitting in a plush waiting room or outside, on the street, the emotions you have are the same. Also, taking a film to festivals helps you create buzz without physically spending money.

This film seems to have come from a personal space.
Obviously, a film like this can only come from a personal space. For me, it has come from the time when my dad was in the hospital. It was the most profound experience of my life. It changed me in many ways. Whether it was me or mom, the one thing I realised is that none of us were ready to give up on hope. The world carries on and after a point you also adapt to it. You make those friendships, some connection. It took me a while to revisit it. But that’s why I am so true to it. Right now for me it’s just a story. It’s not autobiographical at all. Which is what writers do, they take their experience and allow their characters to respond to it. I am neither Shiv nor Tara.

Besides, love and loss, this also seems to be a movie about loneliness in the time of social media when everyone is so connected...
In today’s world, we have a false sense of a lot of things: popularity, friendship, morality. Also, when you are in that space, you to want to be alone. Because nobody can go though it for you. That’s loneliness. That’s what happened to change my world view. Suddenly, you have to grow up and make decisions that you have never made.

This seems to be massive departure from you first movie, which was a romcom.
I love romcoms. But if I made London Paris New York today, it would be a slightly different film. Today, you are not expected to do the things you were back then. You don’t need those typical songs. The audience wants to see edgy stuff. But a romcom is as much me as drama or an action film. I like to switch genres. Increasingly, I have found the clarity and courage to do so and it’s important to be true to your film. It’s a learning process. There are so many stakeholders. And everyone loves the film as much as you do, so how do you know what is right and what’s not? That takes a little time. You shouldn’t try to masalafy an intellectual film or intelectualise a masala film. You are second-guessing a lot. That’s why I like to sit a write in London.

Do you think things have changed in the industry for female filmmakers and the characters portrayed on screen?
The women in my films will be always be strong, complex characters. I will never objectify women. They will never be just a foil to the hero. That commitment will always be there. And the same holds true for the guys. Right now, there are content-driven films that are not gender-specific. In that specific genre, you will see a lot of women. Naseer sir didn’t even know who I was. After I sent him a script on mail, he agreed to do it. I met him for the first time after he signed the film. But when you go into the more commercial set up where you need access to more money and bigger stars, it’s like...your saasu maan ka chaavi ka guccha ke woh haath mein dete nahi hai. I am like give it to me I will show you I can run the house. It’s about access...that part of the business is run by a some people and a certain section of people have easier access to them. Uss hierarchy mein we are little low. Having said that, I have made two feature films and look forward to making more. You have to keep pressing on. But it’s good to know what your challenges are.

Go on...
I do think that studios should get more female filmmakers to make mainstream cinema. Because we are not changing the narrative of how women are presented in cinema. More than 95 per cent of these female-empowerment movies are made by men. Give me one example of a women empowerment movie in recent times, apart from English Vinglish that has been made by a woman. So even in this area it’s men who are deciding what women empowerment is. My story of empowerment is different. If you see all those movies, they are about breaking the shackles of patriarchy. So eventually they are about men and not the women. Or then they are glorifying women...where women are brave or sacrificing or super achieving...we can never be a Wake Up Sid! Or say like Ranbir’s character in Tamasha... women have to move up in that hierarchy. Mostly, a woman is either a victim or a devi, there can be nothing in between. I am keen to get those narratives up there. And I think studios need to think about that. I was reading somewhere that even internationally, Fox and Paramount don’t have any women directors on their slate for two years. That’s crazy. Popular narrative is being determined on by men. So why should I not be upset? I think more women need to be involved in that decision making. But the problem is many women reach that place, but it is so difficult to get there that they don’t want to make choices that will mess it up for them. (Laughs) It’s very complex. For me, women are as important as men and vice versa. That’s feminism for me. Like someone was telling me that this movie is completely about the people. But that’s how it is. When you meet someone you react to that person not to their gender. These are the things that we need to collectively change. Feminism is not about showing a woman drink or smoke or pee in public. It’s about being true to yourself. If a woman is career-oriented, she is an ambitious bitch. That’s not how it is. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am ambitious, but I co-exist. That’s how it is. There are things that my husband can do that I can’t do and there things that I can do that he can’t. I would urge these big commercial setup to review the content they are putting out there and the opportunities they are giving to women. Not because we also must get a chance, but because there’s a middle ground between victims and over achievers and that’s where 90 per cent of us are and we also need a voice.

So, what’s next?
I do have some plans. I always say that after you release a film, it’s like you are back in the dating pool. There is a lot of discussion. I also have projects in the UK. This whole idea of reaching to an audience internationally has also been exciting. I am looking at three four projects, but I don’t know what will materialise first.

What challenges do you face in the international arena?
Even internationally, I am fighting this battle about how they position us. Because an Indian character is either a victim or a funny person or a nerd or an idiot, it’s never someone equal. There, diversity is such a big discussion. A movie like Waiting, someone may say, is not Indian enough and I am like, ‘Why? Because there’s no cow in the frame?’ They want certain narratives from India. That’s my battle there. What’s happening is that world over, people are calling out these subtle discriminations. I really hope things change. Media should have more engaging discussions about it.

Priya Gupta (BOMBAY TIMES; November 14, 2014)

Ankur Pathak (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 7, 2014)

After making a rather unimpressive debut 3 1/2 years ago with the romantic coming-of-age dramedy, Break Ke Baad, starring Imran Khan and Deepika Padukone, Danish Aslam is all set to give direction another shot. And this time he is ready to even court controversy to grab the eyeballs. 

Mirror has learnt that Danish is working on a contemporrary take of the classic Shakespearean play, Romeo and Juliet. But unlike previous adaptations like Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Ram-Leela and Habib Faisal's Ishaqzaade, Danish 's love story wil have a gay spin.

Revealed a source close to the film's production, "The script has been written by Anu Menon who last directed the Ali Zaffar-Aditi Rao Hydari starrer London, Paris, New York. Danish took an instant liking to her quirky concept and was ready to bring it on screen. The film is likely to go on the floors in May."

Ekta Kapoor will produce the film. Adds the source, "Danish has had several meetings with the head honchos at Balaji Motion Pictures who have green-lighted the project."

Who will play the lead? According to the source, the filmmakers may go for fresh faces given that the film could raise some eyebrows.

"The casting will be locked only at the end of March," he reveals. "The story revolves around two guys from warring families and a girl. One of the guys is a closet homosexual. That makes the film daringly different."

When Mirror contacted Danish he heard our story, and without denying it, said, "Right now, I'm not authorised to talk abou the project. Please call Balaji for details."

When we persisted, he said somewhat defensively, "It's my film, but they are the producers so it's better that they make an official announcement."

Mirror repeatedly tried to get in touch with Balaji's CEO Tanuj Garg, who eventually responded by saying, "There is a work crisis, will connect in a couple of hours please." But he didn't get back.