“I am happy that Hrithik Roshan is playing me”- Anand Kumar

By Subhash K. Jha -

June 9, 2017 - 10:30 AM IST

The world-renowned mathematical genius Anand Kumar, whose ‘Super 30’ coaching scheme has revolutionized the lives of under-privileged maths students all over India, finally has a bio-pic happening.

“I am happy that Hrithik Roshan is playing me”- Anand Kumar

And the one chosen to play Anand Kumar is Hrithik Roshan. Or, rather Hrithik Roshan, who has not signed any film after the successful home production Kaabil, has chosen to play Anand Kumar in a film to be titled Super 30.

More relieved than happy, Anand spoke exclusively on the subject, “After the fiasco of Anurag Basu’s proposed film on me, I was very careful about whom I said yes to. Vinay Sinha and his daughter Priti Sinha and Phantom Films, who are producing the film on me, struck me as sincere people. When they asked me if I would like the bio-pic to be directed by Vikas Bahl, I readily agreed.”

Anand has seen Vikas Bahl’s Queen but not Shaandaar (luckily!).

About Hrithik Roshan playing Anand Kumar, Anand is over the moon. “I don’t get the time to watch that many films. But I’ve seen Hrithik Roshan’s Kaho Na…Pyar Hai and Krishh. He is outstanding. I am happy a star as talented and popular as Hrithik Roshan is playing me. And such a handsome man! My only fear is how can someone so handsome play me?”

It’s been a long wait for the bio-pic to happen. For more than three years, Anurag Basu was supposed to direct the project. Basu made several trips to Patna. Anand became very friendly with Anurag and his wife. But then, suddenly, they both stopped taking his calls. Anurag opted out of the bio-pic to focus on Jagga Jasoos even without informing Anand.

Anand admits he was hurt and wary. “I am not used to the ways of the entertainment world. I am a simple man with no craving for recognition or money. I was just happy that my message of education for all would be spread through the film. When Anurag Basu suddenly became inaccessible, it was a big blow to my sentiments. Hopefully, this time, it will all be fine. Woh kehte hai na, der aaye durust aye (whatever happens, happens for the best).”

Anand has not met Hrithik Roshan yet. But sources say the actor intends to meet the mathematician either in Mumbai or Patna in the next two weeks.

“There will be plenty of meetings between the two. Hrithik Roshan will get to know Anand Kumar. But he won’t imitate his speech or body language,” says a source.