If rumours are anything to go by, desi girl Priyanka Chopra might soon be essaying the role of India’s first women Prime Minister - Indira Gandhi, in a biopic. Director Krishna Shah opted for Priyanka after Madhuri Dixit declined the offer due to her mother in law’s illness. 

Krishna Shah, who is still remembered for his film Shalimar-starring Dharmendra and Zeenat Aman, is soon launching a biopic on the late prime minister Indira Gandhi. And to play the role, Shah has zeroed in on Priyanka Chopra to essay the role.

Initially, Shah had approached Madhuri Dixit to play the late prime minister's role, but the latter excused herself citing her mother-in-law's illness.

We hear that the makers have grand plans for the film and have roped in Hollywood technicians and make-up artists like Jenny Shircore (‘Elizabeth’). The movie titled Mother: The Indira Gandhi Story will also incorporate facts from the personal tapes of former US president Richard Nixon on the 1971 Bangladesh War. 

An industry insider said, “Krishna zeroed in on the lead actress after Jenny pointed out that Priyanka has a face that can be matched with Indira’s after a bit of prosthetic work.” 
 

However, director Krishna Shah confirmed that the casting is still on and though Jenny feels Priyanka will be an apt choice, they haven’t approached the actress as yet. 

The film will also explore the politician’s personal life. Now the question is if Priyanka accepts the role, will the audience be able to relate to her as Indira Gandhi, as both the women have highly distinct personalities. If Piggy Chops comes on board, playing the character will certainly be very challenging for her. 
 

Titled Mother: The Indira Gandhi Story, the film will be a big-budget two-part film on the life of the Indian leader who was known as Iron Lady. Shah is working on the casting with Academy Award-winner make-up artiste Jenny Shircore. 

'Yes, I am in conversation with Jenny who thinks that Priyanka is the one who can fit in the character of Indira, but it will be too premature to talk about casting as we have not approached anybody as yet,' Shah said in a statement. 

The first part of the film will be based on Indira Gandhi's life till the 1971 war, while the second part will look more into her personal life as a mother to her sons -- Rajiv, who succeeded her as the prime minister, and Sanjay Gandhi.
 

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