Jyoti Kumari, who cycled 1200 km, to play herself in film

The 15-year-old was also invited for trials by the Cycling Federation of India.

Jyoti Kumari, who cycled over 1200 kilometres along with her ailing father to reach Bihar from Gurugram during the nationwide coronavirus lockdown, will play herself on screen in a film titled ‘Atmanirbhar.’

The Indian government enforced the first phase of the nationwide lockdown on 25 March due to the coronavirus pandemic. It heavily affected migrants living in the big cities of India and one of them was Jyoti Kumari, who reached her destination with her father after a span of seven days.

She was then invited by the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) for trials, but while talking to the Hindu, she expressed her desire to complete her matriculation first. She also secured admission in Class 9 at the Pindaruch High School, which was made possible due to the helping hand offered by the District Magistrate of Darbhanga.

However, in a recent development, the rights to her story have been bagged by a film production venture. The film is set to be shot from August. The role of the protagonist will be played by Jyoti herself, reported PTI.

Jyoti Kumari had said to the Hindu, "I wish to complete my studies first. I also feel physically weak now after such a long, arduous journey. Earlier, I could not continue my school education because of my family problems and I was occupied with domestic work… but now I wish to complete my matriculation first."

Earlier, the Chairman of CFI, Onkar Singh had stated to PTI that the girl would be invited for trials in a few months. He had said, "We spoke to the girl this morning and we have told her that she will be called to Delhi next month, as soon as the lockdown is lifted. All the expenses of her travel, lodging and others will be borne by us."

"If she needs to accompany somebody from home, we will also allow that. We will see in consultation with our Bihar state unit on how she can be brought to Delhi for a trial. She must have something in her. I think cycling down more than 1200km is not a mean job. She must be having the strength and physical endurance. We want to test it."

Her valour was also acknowledged by Ivanka Trump, the daughter and senior advisor of the President of the United States, Donald Trump. Ivanka had tweeted, "15-yr-old Jyoti Kumari, carried her wounded father to their home village on the back of her bicycle covering +1,200 km over 7 days. This beautiful feat of endurance and love has captured the imagination of the Indian people and the cycling federation!"

Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju, had also taken notice of Jyoti Kumari’s endeavour and assured, "Will ask the SAI officials and Cycling Federations of India to report to me after conducting the trials of Jyoti Kumari. If found to have potential, she will be selected as a trainee at the National Cycling Academy at the IGI Stadium complex in New Delhi."