Ramanujan in Popular Culture (Books & Films)

Srinivasa Ramanujan, one of the greatest mathematical geniuses in history, has inspired writers, filmmakers, and educators across the world. His journey from India to Cambridge University, his collaboration with G. H. Hardy, and his intuitive brilliance have made his life a powerful story that extends far beyond mathematics.

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Ramanujan in Books

The Man Who Knew Infinity – Robert Kanigel (1991)

This is the most famous and widely read book about Ramanujan. Written by Robert Kanigel, it presents Ramanujan’s life as a compelling biographical narrative.

• Explains Ramanujan’s mathematics in simple language
• Highlights the Hardy–Ramanujan collaboration
• Explores cultural conflict and intuition versus rigor

The book introduced Ramanujan to millions of readers worldwide and is frequently recommended in universities and popular science reading lists.

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Ramanujan: The Man and the Mathematician

Written by Bruce C. Berndt and Robert Rankin, this book focuses more on Ramanujan’s mathematical contributions than on narrative storytelling.

It is especially valuable for students and researchers who wish to understand the depth and significance of Ramanujan’s formulas and notebooks.

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The Ramanujan Notebooks

Edited by Bruce C. Berndt, this multi-volume scholarly work deciphers Ramanujan’s unpublished results. Although not written for general readers, these volumes demonstrate Ramanujan’s lasting influence on modern mathematics.

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Children’s and Popular Science Books

Several simplified biographies and illustrated books have been written to introduce Ramanujan’s life to school students and general readers. These books often emphasize:

• His struggle with poverty
• Self-taught genius
• Creativity and perseverance

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Ramanujan in Films

The Man Who Knew Infinity (2015)

This internationally acclaimed film is based on Robert Kanigel’s book.

• Dev Patel as Srinivasa Ramanujan
• Jeremy Irons as G. H. Hardy

The film portrays Ramanujan’s struggles at Cambridge, his friendship with Hardy, and the emotional and cultural challenges he faced in England.

It was widely appreciated for its performances and has been used as an educational film in schools and colleges.

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Indian Documentaries and Television Programs

Ramanujan has appeared in several Indian documentaries and educational programs, including those produced by Doordarshan and academic institutions.

These programs focus on:

• His early life in India
• Spiritual beliefs
• Original mathematical ideas

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Ramanujan in Theatre, Art, and Media

Beyond books and films, Ramanujan’s life has inspired:

• Stage plays in India and the United Kingdom
• Poems and essays
• Paintings, murals, and postage stamps
• Educational events and National Mathematics Day (22 December)

He has become a cultural symbol of intellectual brilliance and creative intuition.

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Why Ramanujan Appeals to Popular Culture

Ramanujan’s life resonates strongly because it combines:

• Genius without formal training
• East–West cultural interaction
• Intuition versus formal proof
• Tragedy and timeless achievement

His story represents the idea that great talent can emerge anywhere, regardless of background or circumstances.

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Conclusion

Through books, films, and other media, Srinivasa Ramanujan has become one of the most widely recognized mathematicians in popular culture. These portrayals ensure that his legacy continues to inspire not only mathematicians, but also artists, students, and dreamers across the world.