More than a month ago, 15-year-old Jyoti Kumari captured headlines after she cycled 1,200 kilometres from Gurgaon to Bihar to reach her home in Darbhanga during the lockdown. She was carrying her injured father behind her and cycled for 7 days straight. Her story inspired the Cycling Federation of India who asked her to appear for trials. Jyoti, however, denied the opportunity as she wanted to continue her studies.
After having touched many hearts with her tale, Jyoti Kumari’s story is now to be made into a film named ‘Atmanirbhar’ (self-reliant), reports The Indian Express. The film will not just show her cycling episode but will also capture the “systematic issues” that led her to take on the journey. Jyoti Kumari herself will star in the lead role.
The rights of Jyoti Kumari’s life story was bagged by Wemakefilmz, a venture run by four friends. The project is expected to start in August.
The director of the film, Shine Krishna, said that the film won’t be a documentary but will contain certain fictionalised elements. It is to release in Hindi, English, and Maithili and will be subtitled in 20 other languages.
For the international audience, the film will be titled ‘A Journey of a Migrant’.
“Bohot achha lag raha hai,” said Jyoti Kumari about being signed up for the film. She also went on to add how everything has changed for her and her family and that villagers are showering them with support.
We hope that Jyoti’s story inspires many and that she is met with new opportunities along her way!