It could have been anyone

Yesterday I watched No One Killed Jessica & my sister will write a review on it on the other blog. It’s all the more depressing to know that someone actually was killed in this manner & later on her family suffered like anything. What I find commendable is how people & the media put up the fight. Candle Light protest & Middle Finger protest were superb ideas.

What happened to Jessica could have happened to anyone. You don’t have to be a party person. You can be at the wrong place & someone will shoot you out of madness. Life is too cheap. When you watch the movie, you will think about other incidents in which justice has been denied & today no one even cares it. You only remember tragedies if they hit you hard.

Anyhow, NOKJ is a must watch. The character of Vidya Balan is realistic & I would say it’s all in all Vidya’s movie. Rani has performed well, but I personally think Priyanka Chopra or someone like Mallika Sherawat could have done a better role. There was too much effort on Rani’s part & she couldn’t make a deep impact. Even when she said what the fuck or shut the fuck up, it wasn’t big deal. Haan that Hindi dialogue ‘wahan hotay tou…’ was delivered very nicely. That character was an amalgam of 15 journalists & I think it was a difficult character. Priyanka would have been the best person to pull it. You needed someone really smart. Since Raj Kumar Gupta is in love with Rani, so it’s understandable.

Jessica Lall was just 34 year old when she was murdered. Although 300 people were present at that socialite party & yet the accused was acquitted the 1^st time in 2006. Even her so-called friend kept changing his statement. It makes us question about our best people who would change statements under pressure.

But thank God the culprit is in prison now where he belongs & this is certainly the victory of people & the media.

Rani's 'innocent' confession

Rani Mukerji, who comes from a film family and has been working in the film industry for 13 years, says she was naïve and innocent but has become smarter with time.

"From the time I began to now the only change in me has been that I have become more confident. I was very naïve and innocent before. I have become smarter now because you have to be smart to be in this industry," said Rani

"When I had started I used to get hurt about certain things, but today I have been able to develop a slightly thicker skin than I had. That has been the only change in me," added the 32-year-old.

The actress is all set for 'No One Killed Jessica', where she will be playing a news reporter. Releasing Jan 7, the film, based on the murder of model Jessica Lall, is the first big release of the year.

Rani & Vidya Promoting NOKJ On Naa Ana Iss Desh Lado

As we are aware, Rani and Vidya are seriously promoting their upcoming film No One Killed Jessica these days, so they also made an appearance in Na Ana Iss Desh Lado, which is a soap that is telecasted on Colors TV.

Rani & Vidya Get Along Well

Well my sister has already reported this news :P So I will write down further.

Even when I read earlier reports of how Rani hardly interacted with Vidya during the shoot and that she was unapproachable throughout the shooting, I thought, this movie would be quickly made as nobody is wasting anytime doing silly things. The photographs from the earlier promotions showed a bit of coldness as well, but with time it was evident that the actresses became closer while promoting the film more.What is worth praising is their professionalism, because the ladies have promoted their film whole heartedly with complete honesty believing in their film and its subject totally.

Last night I saw the two having lots of fun while promoting No One Killed Jessica in Bigg Boss. They seemed comfortable with no hang ups. Even if there was a discomfort, most probably because of Rani's cold attitude, it is no longer visible now. Since, the two ladies praised each other genuinely and had a great time together.

"There's no rift between Rani and Vidya"

It was reported that Vidya is not very happy with Rani because the Bengali beauty is hogging the limelight and taking maximum space in promotions. But Gupta called all the rumours baseless.

"I have been accompanying Rani and Vidya on most promotional events and they have been having a fabulous time. These are just rumours and there is no truth in these claims," Gupta said.

"I've seen how well they gel and the camaraderie that they share and the positivity with which they shot the film. So these are just rumours and not to be taken seriously," he added.

Why is Vidya wearing oversized dresses?

While shooting for her upcoming film No one killed Jessica, Vidya actually had some tough time in the beginning. And that was all about her dress code.

It's learnt that Vidya was shocked to notice the oversized dresses that her wardrobe consisted of while shooting for the film. Initially, the actress even tried to argue with her director but then she agreed without creating any fuss.

So, what made Vidya change her mind? The reason is this: In the film Vidya is playing Jessica' Lal's sister Sabrina. Sabrina according to eyewitnesses always wears oversized dresses. So, Vidya's character demanded this look and Vidya had no option but to go for over sized clothes.

It must be mentioned that Vidya is too touchy about her wardrobe design since she has been blamed of many dress disasters in the past. But this time the dress code, which by all means looks like a fashion disaster, was something Vidya could do little about.

Talking about her wardrobe in the film, Vidya says, "Initially, I was too shocked to see those over sized dresses hanging around me. But, my director made me understand the logic behind that. I was playing Sabrina and when I met her for the first time, I realised that the dresses made me look exactly like her."

Rani & Vidya

Rani & Vidya are 2 professional ladies & I’m impressed that they go everywhere for the promotion of their upcoming movie No one killed Jessica. But it seemed as if they got carried away or something lately.

'No One Killed Jessica' gets A-certificate

The censor board has awarded an A-certificate to ‘No One Killed Jessica’ - based on a real murder - without any cuts and its makers hailed the decision saying they were happy to be able to take the story to the audience.

"The emotion of the journey, the power of the people and the relentless effort of the media needed to be brought to the audience in the right light and hats off to the censor board for keeping that above all else while judging the film," said Vikas Behl, a senior official at UTV, which has produced the film.

Set for a Jan 7 release, ‘No One Killed Jessica’ is based on ramp model Jessica Lall's murder case.

Another area of discomfort for the film was the legal ramifications of showing real-life people, particularly the hostile witnesses in the murder case.

In fact, former top cop Amodh Kanth had urged the censor board to ensure that only facts relating to the Jessica Lall murder case are presented in ‘No One Killed Jessica’.

Irritating Pic!

I don’t think it’s a very comfortable position to talk to anyone. And in this particular scene, Rani jee is angry, cause justice hasn’t been delivered & she cannot live with it.

It just doesn’t seem realistic & you could even burn your ass & who knows maybe Rani jee’s ass was also burnt while shooting. Anyway, it's an over scene.

Rani praises media

Bollywood actress Rani studied media's role closely for her role in upcoming film No One Killed Jessica. She plays an intrepid & fastidious crime journalist in the film. "The very fact that I am playing a journalist in the film is also one of the reasons why I am part of it. It is the first time that media is shown in a powerful light in the film," says the actress.

After working in the film NO ONE KILLED JESSICA, Rani's outlook towards media has completely changed and she can't stop praising about their role. "During the Jessica Lal case media was very instrumental in making people aware of what the case was. If the media hadn't taken it upon themselves to make people aware of it probably this public outcry wouldn't have happened. It is the first time media made use of its powers so correctly and it actually showed that if media ek baar kuch thaan leti toh who karke rehti hain. And to an extent it shook the judicial system in our country," says Rani

Further explaining media's role she adds, "Media is a powerful medium, if they use their power & rights in right way it can make huge difference. The whole responsibility lies in the hands of young journalist today who can either make or break what the country looks up to."

Who can break Rani Mukherjee?

For quite sometime Rani's career is in doldrums. Her last three films - DIL BOLE HADIPPA, THODA PYAAR THODA MAGIC, LAAGA CHUNRI MAIN DAAG, despite coming from a banner like Yash Raj Films, were duds. Now, the bold & beautiful, Rani is back in news with her upcoming film.


However, Rani gets agitated with such reports, "When everybody says Rani Mukherjee is finished I feel bad but at the same time I feel happy that now I can bounce back."

She says that no one can make or break her position in the industry.

"My career is already made so I don't think anyone can break or make my career. It's my fans who decide to make me the star that I am. It's because of them I am here. I don't think any one person from the media can be responsible to make or break me. The only thing that can break me ever is when the love of my audiences will not be with me anymore or the fact that audiences don't want to see me anymore," says the optimistic actress.

Rani's gaalis might just create trouble for Jessica at the censor board

There's trouble ahead for the much talked-about real-life drama No One Killed Jessica. In the trailer, Rani's shocking use of the term 'g..nd phat jaati' has been managed with a beep. But if the film's makers get down to deleting every expletive Rani's character utters there would be huge gaps in her dialogue.

According to sources, Rani's character's flow of profanities is so non-stop that if the censor board decided to beep her gaalis, Rani's dialogue soundtrack would have more beeps than words.

Laughs and protests director Rajkumar Gupta, "It' not that bad, really. You are making it sound like a non-stop abuse binge. My film is not that. But yes, Rani's character is very brutal and graphic in her speech. I don't know if, as you say. Rani is the same way in real life. I didn't know her before I shot with her. But she was thoroughly professional in mouthing squirmy words."

Now the question looming over No One Killed Jessica is, would the censor board allow Rani's character to speak her mind so graphically?

Says Rajkumar Gupta, "We voluntarily beeped out Rani's expletive in the trailer because it was to be screened on the home-viewing medium. But now when we submit the film for censorship, we will go with the entire language content intact hoping the censor board would see the context and not just the hard-hitting nature of the language."


Another area of discomfort for this controversial film would be the legal ramifications of showing real-life people, particularly the hostile witnesses in the real-life Jessica Lal murder case. Apparently, some of the key witnesses are already inquiring about the content and getting ready for legal action.

Says Rajkumar Gupta, "We're ready for any eventuality. I made the film the way I wanted to as a mix of realism and cinematic entertainment. No One Killed Jessica is not a documentary on the Jessica Lal case. But it is about her sister's fight for justice. And if the real-life characters recognize themselves they are welcome to react how they want."

NO ONE KILLED JESSICA celebrates media

Rajkumar Gupta's soon to be released NO ONE KILLED JESSICA shows media as righteous and powerful machinery.


The soon to be released movie NOKJ is inspired from model Jessica Lall's murder case. The movie shows that if media uses its power correctly it can make a huge difference. The film does not mock the judiciary system. It simply portrays the real life factual event. Rani is playing the character of Meera, represents media as a whole. Her character not being inspired by anyone in particular.


One more thing. Rani jee is about to get married soon. This news has been leaked from a senior member of the production house. Aditya ended his marriage with his childhood friend Payal in 2009 & many suggest that the reason was his closeness with Rani jee who is still 32. (I just can't believe she's just 32 & we are all growing old at a much faster rate...that is absurd, to say the least). Anyhow this news hasn't been confirmed by the families of Rani or Aditya Chopra.

Someone is about to become a powerful lady & we can detect that haughtiness in these pics. It would be equally nice, if someone just give her a tip or 2 on shades.

Jessica Lall Case In Detail

No One Killed Jessica, is all set to be released on Januart 7th, 2011. The two main characters in the movie played by Vidya Balan and Rani Mukherji are already working on the promotion campaign of the film.

No One Killed Jessica is based on a true story. Rani Mukherji plays the role of a smart and cunning reporter while Vidya Balan plays the role of Jessica Lall's elder sister, Sabrina. The movie is based on the controversial murder case of model Jessica Lall in New Delhi in 1999. However, the director has clarified, that he took the name of the film from a headline that came in Times of India in 2006 about this case when the murderer of Jessica Lall was allowed to walk freely instead of a fair trial. This made the masses furious and led to nationwide protests so that the court reopens the case and give justice.

Jessica Lall was an Indian model in New Delhi who was born in 1965. She was working as a celebrity bartender at a socialite party where she was shot dead on April 29th, 1999 by Siddharth Vashisht a.k.a. Manu Sharma. Manu was the son of a wealthy and influential politician, Venod Sharma. Due to his influential background, it was very difficult to prove the charges against him. Most of the witnesses refused to co-operate. The case was a difficult one since the evidence was hampered and even the murder weapon was hidden.

Above you can see the picture of Bina Ramani, who was the owner of Tamarind Court restaurant, a refurbished haveli overlooking Qutb Minar where the murder took place. She used to arrange Thursday Special Nights, where models and celebrities used to serve as bartenders to the guests. Though, Tamarind Court didn't legally have a liquor license but liquor was served there. This was exactly how Jessica Lall happened to be there. She was one of the models acting as the bartender on that night along with a few other celebrities such as Bina Ramani's own daughter - Malini Ramani and Jessica's model friend Shayan Manshu.

That was a busy and crowded Thursday night party and so drinks were finished by 2 am. Manu Sharma and his friends at 11:15pm. Manu asked Jessica for a drink but she refused to give, perhaps because there were no more drinks. There are many versions of what happened. But Manu Sharma got angry for not getting a drink and he shot her in the presence of hundreds of witnesses at point blank range twice. One bullet was missed but the other killed her. She died that night.

Malini Ramani had told the court the following statement: "I won't give you a sip even if you give me a thousand bucks!" – (overheard by Malini Ramani)

Manu Sharma and his friends ran away from the spot after the incident. Manu hid the murder weapon. It was said, that later on one of his friends took the murder weapon one of his friends who was visiting India from USA for a wedding. That friend called Titu was never discovered. He left for USA after hiding the gun.

The Ramanis were arrested very soon after the murder, but none of them were Indian nationals and so not much harm was done to them.

Manu Sharma gave a statement to the Police, which was taped, in which he admitted shooting Jessica Lall. "The idea at that time was to shoot in challenge. It was embarrassing to hear that even if I paid a thousand bucks I would not get a sip of drink." This audiotape was obtained and aired by the TV channel NDTV, but it does not constitute legal testimony. Subsequently, however, the confession was retracted, and a not guilty plea was entered in the trial.

It was said, that justice could hardly be given because there were many laws that did not help in solving the case. There were many aspects of the case that could not be used in the right manner because of rigid and unnecessary articles in their own system.

After the verdict many experts pointed fingers at the flaws in the Indian Evidence Act of 1872, especially Sections 25-29: 25. Confession to police officer not to be proved. No confession made to a police officer shall be proved as against a person accused of any offence. 26. Confession by accused while in custody of police not to be proved against him. No confession made by any person whilst he is in the custody of a police officer, unless it be made in the immediate presence of a Magistrate, shall be proved as against such person. Though, the clauses were initially added for the protection of the defendants from giving confession under police torture, it was later exploited by many a guilty defendants as well, as in this case, where many a witnesses withdrew their testimony, after first giving it to the police during interrogation.

However, media and common people didn't accept the fate of the case and they protested.There was an outrage and people wanted justice for Jessica Lall.

Above you can see the aspiring model and an acquaintance of Jessica's, Shayan Munshi, who was serving behind the bar with Jessica when the shooting occurred. In his initial statement he said unequivocally that Manu Sharma had fired the gun twice, once into the air, and once at Jessica. This testimony was recorded by the police in their First Information Report (FIR), which Shayan signed. However, during the trial he claimed that he did not know Hindi and that he was not aware of what he had signed.

At the trial, Shayan said that Manu Sharma had fired only once, and that also into the air. He described Manu's clothes carefully. Subsequently, he said that another bullet, fired by someone else, was the one to hit Jessica. About this man's dress, he was evasive, and saying only that he was wearing a "light-coloured" shirt. This led to the "two-gun theory" - where the forensic report said that the bullets were fired from different weapons.

The good part was that unlike our very own country, after a good 10 years, justice was delivered. Although Manu Sharma was influential, he was finally punished for his crime. He is now serving life imprisonment for the crime he committed in 1999 by murdering model Jessica Lall.

Manu Sharma is one of several high-profile criminals brought to trial in India through media activism. Along with that of some other murderers, his conviction is viewed as demonstrating the impact of the general public in correcting imbalances in the Indian legal process.

No One Killed Jessica Promotion at Radio City

Since these days, both Vidya Balan and the much more superior and senior actress Rani Mukherjee are busy promoting their new release "No One Killed Jessica", these pictures were also taken on one of their promotion campaigns. The two actresses visited Radio City in order to promote their film.

Rani seems to be promoting a very smart casual look with torn jeans and white tops everywhere she is going. Oh and I hope you don't miss those shades she is carrying that only make her look awefully compact, although she doesn't need any accessory to make her look so compact anyway. While Vidya wears skinny jeans, flat Return to Oz shoes and kurtis. On this particular occasion, she didn't look that great, however, we all know how bad she can dress up, so this is still better than what we could have expected.

Though, we feel this movie could be a decent watch. I am expecting some over smart scenes from Rani Mukhejee. I have faith that Vidya Balan would be the more genuine actress somehow even if media tends to throw the light on senior Rani. It is strange to understand how did they work together with Rani's unapproachable attitude. Even on promotions, it is quite visible, that she does not want to be clicked with Vidya Balan. Perhaps Rani can't forget the good old days when Kajol made fun of her openly and she is trying to take out her anger on others ever since she feels she is a much more powerful figure in the industry.