SRINIVASA RAMANUJAN (ROLEPLAY SCRIPT)

BALLESTA (Narrator): Born from poverty, Ramanujan is a true absolute genius. A man of a brilliance
with thousands of imagination. Built every stage of his life, the story starts with the 15 year old
Ramanujan. Obtaining a synopsis of elementary results in the pure and applied mathematics. He
developed his mathematical skills at an early age. Aroused by his skill, Ramanujan went beyond it,
developing his own theorems and ideas that would later change the world of mathematics.

MUSIC

BALLESTA (Narrator): In 1903, he secured a scholarship to the University of Madras, blinded by his
excitement , he neglected all the other studies except mathematics. He later lost his scholarship and was
drive away to poverty.

SCENE 1 – FINDING JOB

HERNANDO (Boss 1): Have you finished college?

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): No sir but as you can see, I developed a plenty of mathematical formula.

HERNANDO (Boss 1): You people pretend to be geniuses, grabbing opportunities like it is just a job for a
people like you.

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): But please sir! I have a wife!

HERNANDO (Boss 1): You people are all the same, now GET OUT! NOW!

BALLESTA (Narrator): Ramanujan, having no degree, no person would hire him in his current state. He
tried in the different places, asked plenty of persons and requested for recommendations. Until one day, a
good person has helped him.

SCENE 2 – ON SERVICE

GUMOGOD (Narayana): Where did you get your degree?

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): I don’t have one Sir.

GUMOGOD (Narayana): How did you come up with this research then?

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): It just comes out in my mind sir.

GUMOGOD (Narayana): Look, we need someone who truly understands this formula (sight), I will offer
you a job, in exchange, you will help me understand the contents of your notes. Are we clear?

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): Yes sir! Thank you so much Sir!

GUMOGOD (Narayana): Put this on (hands Ramanujan on piece of clothing) and follow me.

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): (following Narayana)

GUMOGOD (Narayana): Sir Francis, here are today’s ledger’s (Hands the ledgers), and our new clerk sir.

ELUMBRA (Sir Francis): Narayana, how long have you worked for me?

GUMOGOD (Narayana): About 9 years Sir.

ELUMBRA (Sir Francis): This man is like he’s living in the streets, now get him out please!

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): Forgive me sir but I’m quite exceptional with numbers.
ELUMBRA (Sir Francis): Well, your accounts had better be polished as your ego.

BALLESTA (Narrator): By obtaining a job, Ramanujan knew that his life is going to change. He later told
her wife Janaki and her mother to move to an average house, to rise from poverty and to left to poor way
of living.

(MUSIC)

Ramanujan is like married to his work, he rarely talks to her wife and would only focus on creating new
ideas. As a working clerk, Ramanujan would work on day and every night, he collaborated to Narayana in
understanding the theorems and ideas of Ramanujan that is printed on his notebooks.

SCENE 3 (NIGHT WORK)

GUMOGOD (Narayana): Why aren’t you using the abacus?

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): It was faster in my head sir.

GUMOGOD (Narayana): (grabs abacus) Impressive, you have a great talent Ramanujan.

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): Yes sir.

GUMOGOD (Narayana): You know Ramanujan, there are plenty of opportunities out there. You need to
find someone who truly understands your formula’s.

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): But I’ve asked everyone in madras Sir.

GUMOGOD (Narayana): Im not talking about madras, I’m talking about England.

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): But Sir!

GUMOGOD (Narayana): Think about the opportunities Ramanujan, our brightest, matching theirs.

BALLESTA (Narrator): Ramanujan decided that for the good of his years of research, he should publish
his works. Narayana then helped Ramanujan sent a letter of recommendation, together with a piece of his
work at Trinity College, Cambrigde. The letter was received by Professor Godfrey H. Hardy and professor
John Littlewood. They decided that they should bring Ramanujan to their University. After few weeks,
Ramanujan receive a letter from professor Godfrey Hardy. They invited Ramanujan to enter Trinity
college and promised him that his works will be published. He later begun his journey to Cambridge but
first, he must cross the sea. Due to Ramanujan’s Religious beliefs, he broke the rules of being a Brahman,
cut his hair with the help of his wife Janaki and cross the sea by the use of ship.

SCENE 4– MEETING HARDY

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): I’m really looking forward in meeting Mr. Hardy, I’m so excited to meet him, he
must be very kind to bring me all this way.

JATICO (Littlewood): (smile fakely) speaking of the devil.

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): hello

DAMIANO (HARDY): I’m Hardy, we will be starting tomorrow at 10:00 AM at my office, I’m very looking
forward in working with you.

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): Did I say something wrong?

JATICO (Littlewood): Don’t worry, I’ll look out for you.

BALLESTA (Narrator): By bringing Ramanujan to the University, Hardy was insulted by his colleague.
Because of this, Hardy developed his cold hearted conversation to Ramanujan and that made Ramanujan
question his actions and existence to the University. In the next day, Ramanujan, together with Hardy
and Littlewood had a quick conversation about what should they do for their colleague to accept
Ramanujan. So, Hardy had a little plan.

SCENE 5– MEETING

DAMAINO (Hardy): Ramanajan we decided that for the good of everybody, you should attend lectures.

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): But I thought I’m here to publish sir?

JATICO (Littlewood): You have brilliant ideas Ramanujan I can agree, but your ideas are not just enough,
they need proves.

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): Okay sir, but first I have to show you the rest of my notebooks.

DAMAINO (Hardy): Bloody hell John.

JATICO (Littleword): Hardy, this would take a lifetime.

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): Not with two (smiles).

BALLESTA (Narrator): After Hardy and Littlewood obtained the notebooks of Ramanujan, they studied
the different equations and ideas that Ramanujan has research for years. At the next day Ramanujan
attend the lectures of Mr. Howard. Following the recommendation of Hardy and Littlewood he tried to do
his best not to be very excited during the lectures. But….

SCENE 6 – LECTURES

HATICO (Prof 1): (writes equation in the board) okay, now.. (Sees Ramanujan) okay you! (Point
Ramanujan) are you following this?

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): Yes sir.

HATICO (Prof 1): Why aren’t you taking notes? You have anything to contribute?

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): (Stand up) (writes equation to the board)

HATICO (Prof 1): But, I hadn’t completed that prof. (Silent) okay gentlemen, our class is dismissed for
this day, you may now leave(Class dismiss).But, not you Ramanujan.

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): Sir?

HATICO (Prof 1): You don’t pull a stunt like that in my class! Remember Ramanujan, this is our country,
this is my class! Know get out!

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): (GOES OUT)

BALLESTA (Narrator): Ramanujan is really hated by other professors and wants him to be back in India.
That includes Mr. Howard that has been offended by Ramanujan. Later that night, Ramanujan And
Hardy had a little conversation. Hardy teaches Ramanujan about the importance of having prof and not
offending professors in the University. As a personal tutor and guide, Hardy is responsible for
Ramanujans actions. Hardy told Ramanujan to do his best, Ramanujan prevented his self to outshine in
the class. He took and wrote notes and did not correspond to the professor question. Ramanujan became
a quite student at the University and he succeeds in not making his professors offend.

SCENE 7

(Ramanujan is woke up by an banging sound)

BALLESTA (Narrator): After how many days, at the year of 19 hundreds, a war has begun in London. The
king visited the University of Cambridge to pick soldiers that would voluntarily fight for their country.
Student 1: Ramanujan wake up, the king is coming!

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): Hurriedly woke up and run outside)

Student 1: Our country is at war, militaries are looking for you soldiers in our university. Better hurry up.
(run)

BALLESTA (Narrator): Because of the war, a shortage of food has occurred. Vegetables were rooting and
the supplies for meat is dropping. Due to Ramanujan’s vegetarian diet, he is forced to buy rooting
vegetables in order for him to not starve to death. But…

SCENE 8

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): Where is the Vegetables Sir?

Vendor 1: They are all gone sir, the war has destroyed them.

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): (sight) just let me by what’s left.

Vendor 1: (Grabs vegetables)

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): (Walks away)

Soldier 1: Hey Brownie! Hey!

Soldier 2: You Bitch, Living like a luxurious cat hiding in it house. Hey!

Soldier 1: Hey stop! (Chases Ramanujan and beats him)

Soldier 1: This is our country! Our home!

Soldier 2: (Grabs the vegetables the throws it away)

BALLESTA (Narrator): Some of the soldiers that are forced to join the military is angry at Ramanujan.
They are forced to be deployed at the battle field but Ramanujan is at the Cambridge University living like
a king. They are jealous, that’s why they punched and kicked Rmanujan to death. Jealous Soldiers and
students are not the only problem of Ramanujan. It is also cold weather that is happening at London
because of this, Ramanujan developed a sickness that would later change his life.

SCENE 9

DAMIANO (Hardy): You’re late again.

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): I’m sorry sir. (Writes at the board)

DAMIANO (Hardy): Where did you get that bruises?

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): (Coughs)

DAMIANO (Hardy): Ramanujan is everything okay?

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): Yes sir, everything’s fine. Sir it’s done.

DAMIANO (Hardy): Finally, with this work, we can revolutionize the world of mathematics.

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): I sure hope so sir. (Faints away)

DAMIANO (Hardy): Littlewood! Help, help me carry ramanujan

JATICO (Littlewood): Here let me help.

 (MUSIC)

SCENE 10

BORES (Doctor): Breath in (Ramanujan Inhales), breath out (Ramanujan Exhale), breath in, breath out.

DAMIANO (Hardy): So what’s the situation?

BORES (Doctor):His fever is very high sir and I also found out that……..He has an early sign of advance
tuberculosis.

DAMIANO (Hardy): Is there any treatment sir? What can we do to make it?

BORES (Doctor):I’m sorry sir Hardy but, there’s nothing we could do.

DAMIANO (Hardy): there should be something we could…

BORES (Doctor):Pray sir, It would take a miracle.

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): (Coughs hard)

BALLESTA (Narrator): Hardy really didn’t know that Ramanujan is working on something great,
something tht would help current mathematician and professors at Cambridge to uncover the secrets of
Mathemathics. Until one day….

SCENE 11

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): Sir (Hands over a paper)

DAMINAO (Hardy): PARTITIONS, wait here (Runs) McMahon!

APOSTOL (Macmahon): Oh Hardy, What’s your Business?

DAMIANO (Hardy): It’s about Partitions, Ramanujan he…

APOSTOL (Macmahon): Oh he didn’t and he can’t!

DAMIANO (Hardy): (Runs to his office) well see

BALLESTA (Narrator): Ramanujan accepted the challenge of Macmahon, he spent hours and hours of
mathematical work in order to achieve the Partition of 200. He used his cleverness and extreme
knowledge at mathematics until he gets the answer of challenge.

SCENE 12

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): (arrives at Macmahon Office)

APOSTOL (Macmahon): On the count of three, show your paper. One, two, three!

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): (Shows paper)

APOSTOL (Macmahon): (Grabs ramanujan Paper) 3,972,999,029,268. (Looks at paper) Ramanujan

you….

DAMIANO (Hardy): That’s right, let me introduce you to the srinivas Ramnujan.

APOSTOL (Macmahon): You’re very close Ramanujan… Wow its amazing (Smiles)

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): Thank you sir.

BALLESTA (Narrator): Ramanujan finally gain a recognition from Professor Macmahon. Macmahon
agreed that Ramanujan should be the one to uncover the secrets of partitions that why he trusted him as
one of the professors of the University. But little did they know Ramanujan is fighting his illness without
the proper intake of food and medicine as treatment. So one night….

SCENE 13

MUSIC

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): (Finishing his equation) (Suddenly his stomach hurts, he cough hard and fell
down)

SCENE 14

BORES (Doctor): His situation has worsened sir. He never takes his medicines. He just prays to his God.

DAMIANO (Hardy): Let him be that’s what he wants. (Doctor leaves)

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): Sir Hardy! (Shaking slightly) we are within 0.5% (Hand the paper)

DAMIANO (Hardy): (Grabs the paper) don’t worry Rmanujan, if this is correct, we can change the world
together.

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): Yes sir, I really don’t want this work to die with me.

DAMIANO (Hardy): (Smiles)

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): And the profs, here are the prof. (Hand the paper)

DAMIANO (Hardy): Yes, yes (grabs papers)

BALLESTA (Narrator): By the time Ramanujan’s illness worsened, he finished uncovering partitions
together with its prof. Hardy, with a very exiting face rush towards Macmahon and shows him the work of
Ramanujan.

SCENE 15

APOSTOL (Macmahon): He really did it (take off glasses)

DAMIANO (Hady): He really did. Now he must be a fellow.

APOSTOL (Macmahon): Oh, be practical Hardy. He’s Indian. (silence) besides he’ll only fail again.

DAMIANO (Hardy): What if he had a Royal Fellowship?

APOSTOL (Macmahon): This’s impossible, elders would certainly not agree with that idea.

DAMAINO (Hardy): Not with your help I suppose.

APOSTOL (Macmahon): Oh God.

DAMIANO (Hardy): Look Macmahon, he really need this, it is everything he ever dream of.

BALLESTA (Narrator): By the time professors MAcmahon agreed to help Hardy in Nominating
Ramanujan as one of the fellow of Royal Society, they quickly compile all the needed requirements and
arrange a group meeting for all professors. Hardy attended as a representative of Ramanujan and
presented all of his outstanding works, including his works on partitions. The professors hd a hard time
considering Ramanujan is Indian but luckily, Littlewood and Macmahon supported Hardy. After how
many hours. Hardy Succeeded….

SCENE 16

(Ramanujan enters hall)

(All professors knock their hands in the table)

JATICO (Littlewood): Repeat after me. “I”

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): I

JATICO (Littlewood): “Srinivasa Ramanujan”

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): Srinivasa Ramanujan

JATICO (Littlewood): “Accept the title”

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): Accept the title

JATICO (Littlewood): “As a fellow”

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): Aa a fellow

JATICO (Littlewood): “Of royal Society”

ESNEROL (Ramanujan): Of Royal Society

(All Professors clap their hands)

BALLESTA (Narrator): after receiving the title, Ramanujan decided that it should be the perfect time to
come home to India. With the escort of Hardy, they said Their farewells. After 1 year in living with her
wife Janaki in India, Ramanujan’s illness becomes worse and later on he died. Hardy is later informed
together with the fellows about the death of Ramanujan. Ramanujan has plenty of works in his notebooks
that are unpublished and it is later lost. Some of the pages were recovered and it contains some of
Ramanujan’s work in his life. Ramanujan change the way society has seen him. He change the way things
work by the use of his works. And he changed the world of mathematics. With all of his achievements, we
can truly say that Ramanujan is a true legend of mathematics.