Shakuntala Devi 2020

Anupama and Ajay arrive in London to file against Shakuntala

Anupama Banerjee arrives in London with her husband Ajay Abhay Kumar and reveals she is filing a criminal case against her mother, Shakuntala Devi. The move exposes a long-standing family rift that has stretched across generations. The confrontation anchors the present timeline in London, 2001.

Shakuntala Devi's childhood prodigy in Bangalore

In 1930s Bangalore, Shakuntala Devi's family discovers her extraordinary talent for solving complex problems in her head. Her father decides to capitalize on this gift by staging math shows to entertain and earn for the family. She grows up performing, but resents the way her father controls her life and resents her mother for not standing up to him after her disabled sister's death.

Talent fuels the family while childhood slips away

Shakuntala continues doing math shows, turning her genius into a source of income for the family. She blames her father for robbing her of a normal childhood and feels her mother could have intervened more, especially after tragedy struck her sister. The family relies on her brainpower to climb socially and financially.

London-bound after a violent breakup with Dhiraj

In 1954, Shakuntala leaves for London following a violent altercation with her boyfriend Dhiraj, who had been pretending to love her while having a fixed marriage elsewhere. The departure marks a pivot from personal turmoil to a new stage of her career. She seeks opportunities to perform abroad in London.

Toast of London: Tarabai's home, struggles, and a breakthrough

Shakuntala settles in London, living with Tarabai and several Indian colleagues while struggling to find performance opportunities. Her talent catches the eye of Javier, a Spanish mathematician who helps her improve English and land more shows. Their professional and romantic relationship grows as she earns the nickname 'The Human Computer' after toppling a TV-show computer demonstration.

Javier ends the relationship; she continues performing

Despite rapid fame, Javier ends their relationship, stating he must return to Spain. Shakuntala carries on with expanding her shows and global tours, determined to prove herself to the world. The split marks a personal setback but doesn't halt her ascent.

Meeting Paritosh Banerjee and starting a new life in Kolkata

In 1968, Shakuntala meets Paritosh Banerjee in Mumbai and the couple quickly fall in love, marrying and settling in Kolkata. They dream of building a family while she continues to perform and gain worldwide recognition. The new chapter brings domestic stability alongside her relentless career.

Birth of Anupama and a shift toward motherhood

In 1970, Shakuntala gives birth to Anupama (Anu) and devotes herself to motherhood. She nevertheless resumes her career, achieving a place in The Guinness Book of Records. The tension between maternal love and career fuels her worry about being an uncaring mother.

Shakuntala takes Anu on the road; marriage strains

Shakuntala continues to travel with Anu, bringing her along as she pursues new opportunities. The strain of constant travel weighs on their relationship and leads to a divorce from Paritosh as they drift apart.

Teenage Anu challenges her mother's choices

As Anu grows, she becomes increasingly disenchanted with a life spent in hotels and tours. A teenage confrontation drives Shakuntala to pause her career and settle with Anu in London for a time. The mother-daughter bond begins to heal, albeit with ongoing friction.

Anu pursues education; Shakuntala invites her to travel

Anu enrolls in college, but Shakuntala uses every opportunity to have her accompany on trips and shows, matching her daughter's ambition with her own career. The dynamic keeps them close while amplifying the sense of dependence. The tension between independence and family ties persists.

Anu's marriage to Ajay; Shakuntala's condition for moving

Anu marries Ajay and returns to Bangalore, but Shakuntala insists that Ajay move with them to London, despite his established life in Bangalore. Anu refuses to be controlled and accuses her mother of stunting her life, leading to a rift.

The estate dispute: Shakuntala's power of attorney

Anu and Ajay learn that Shakuntala used her power of attorney to sell Anu's business properties, leaving her with no profit share and shifting capital gains tax obligations to Anu. They travel to London to challenge the move, seeking justice and accountability. The revelation highlights Shakuntala's manipulative tactics and triggers a legal fight.

Staged act and forgiveness

During the London proceedings, Shakuntala reveals the move was a staged act to force her daughter to come see her. She returns Anu's profits and asks for forgiveness, leading to an emotional reconciliation between mother and daughter. The moment restores a fragile but enduring bond between them.