MUMBAI: Known to have directed critically acclaimed Tamil films like Minsara Kanavu and Kandukondain Kandukondain, cinematographer turned director Rajiv Menon has approached Vidya Balan to play noted vocalist and Bharat Ratna awardee M S Subbulakshmi in a biopic to be made on her.

In a message from a distant land where he is currently shooting, Menon stated, "When I narrated the script to Vidya, she has approved of it. Next week, we would be taking the project to the next level after I return to India. At the moment, I am shooting in South Africa."

It is said that earlier Menon wanted to make a biopic on Lata Mangeshkar but later changed his mind to do the same of Subbulakshmi when he came to know that Vidya, being a keen student of music, would be able to carry out the role encompassing the songstress‘ age-span from 18 to 88 with ease.

According to the director, the Subbulakshmi biopic would be the most costliest ever to be made at an estimated cost of Rs 70 crore in three languages Hindi, Tamil and English.