Vidya Balan to play Indira Gandhi in upcoming web series

A date has not yet been finalised, as casting is still ongoing

Bollywood actor Vidya Balan has done a variety of roles in her 15-year film career. After prolific roles like Lalita in Parineeta and Reshma in Dirty Politics, the starlet will now be taking up the role of former Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi, reported The Indian Express.

In a recent interview, the Kismat Konnection star revealed that she will be essaying Indira's role in an upcoming web series, based on Sagarika Ghose’s book Indira: India’s Most Powerful Prime Minister.

PHOTO: INDIA TODAY

There were speculations earlier about whether the book would be turned into a feature film, rather than a series. But Vidya explained that due to the large amount of text, producers decided to create a web series. “There is too much material for it be made into a film. So, we decided to turn it into a web series. We don’t know how many seasons we will be allotted to it. We are in the process of putting together a team,” said the actor.

The show, produced by Ronnie Screwvala, will take some time to come into form as casting is still ongoing. Thus, a date has not yet been finalised.

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Such projects usually require special permissions. So, when asked whether the creators have taken the Gandhi family's consent before they begin shooting, Vidya shared they will not be seeking approval by them as they already have the book’s rights.

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Other than this series, Vidya is also working on the much-anticipated biopic of late actor Nandamuri Taraka Rama. The Kahaani actor had said in previous interviews that she is quite excited about it. “It is my first Telugu film, so I am very excited as I have never spoken and delivered dialogues in other languages. I did a small appearance in a Malayalam film but here I have a full-fledged role.” Vidya will be playing the role of NTR’s wife Basavatarakam.

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