Q&A WITH VIDYA BALAN

Vidya Balan, who will next be seen in a biopic of Shakunatala Devi, says she would never act in a one-dimensional biopic

Q. Biopics tend to be hagiographic accounts. Is Shakuntala Devi any different?

I was very particular that if I chose to do a biopic, it cannot be a puff piece. It makes for boring viewing. I ended up saying no to many after The Dirty Picture for this reason. All I knew about Shakuntala Devi was that she was a ‘human computer’ and had entered the Guinness Book of World Records which was reason enough to make a film on her. But she was a mother too. The source of conflict with her daughter is fascinating. We have not really seen mother-daughter films.

Q. Why do you think that’s so?

The relationship is ripe for drama. I fight with my mother the most. With time, I have mellowed, but all my anger would be directed at her. Our films have glorified the mother. It’s impossible for you to see her just as a living, breathing human being.

Q. Have you got a hang of virtual promotions?

Initially, I was doing all of it from home. I have exploited every corner of my house. I needed a change, so I headed to [my husband, the producer] Siddarth’s office. We can’t sit at home forever. We have to get back to work with precautions in place because it will cost you and others as well.

Q. You also produced a short film about a mother educating her son about gender equality. Will you be producing more?

Not at all. I love what I do, which is to act and I want to continue to do that. The producer’s role is one of great responsibility in having to keep everything together and I don’t want that.