Bollywood Rumors: Vidya Balan Close To Confirming Role To Play Indira Gandhi, But Film Still Needs Gandhi Family’s Approval

Bollywood rumors are pointing to a massive role for Vidya Balan, who could be tapped to play India’s first female prime minister in an upcoming movie.

Reports are circulating that Balan could be playing Indira Gandhi on the big screen. Balan is coming off a flop in the Hamari Adhuri Kahani, but would have an immediate recovery if she is able to land the role in the biopic from filmmaker Manish Gupta.

In an interview with DNA, Gupta confirmed the Bollywood rumor that Vidya Balan is close to the role but said it has not yet been set in stone.

“She has liked the script, but hasn’t given a go-ahead yet. Given that the film is on Indira Gandhi, there are precautions needed to be taken before we start,” Gupta said.

There are still some other factors needed for the Indira Gandhi movie to come together. Gupta noted that he still needs approval from the Gandhi family.

He said he plans a sweeping movie that will delve into the political figure’s entire life.

“My film will be a tell-all tale about Indira Gandhi – right from her birth to her assassination,” he said. “It’s the story of her childhood, youth, rise to power as the Prime Minister of India, her fall to near-oblivion, her comeback as PM, her final battle against extremists and her refusal to discriminate on the lines of faith, that eventually led to her assassination.”

Gupta went on to say that he approached Vidya Balan about three months ago about the role, and she was interested but didn’t want to move forward until the movie had approval from the Gandhi family.

The director is certainly putting in the work necessary. Gupta said he has read more than 20 biographies on the groundbreaking political leader and has been reaching out to the Gandhi family. “I have been in touch with Sonia Gandhi for the last eight months. she is aware that I am doing the film. I want to meet her personally and take a direct commitment from her. That’s what I’m trying to do. Everyone who I have approached to be a part of the film want a written permission before we they can greenlight the project. [sic]”

The Bollywood rumors indicate that Vidya Balan will sign on officially to play Indira Gandhi once the family approves the project, but there is still no indication when that could happen.

[Image via Getty Images/Vittorio Zunino Celotto]