15 years of No One Killed Jessica EXCLUSIVE: Myra Karn gives a RARE interview on playing Jessica: “It’s not just a film; it’s a statement on our society”; reveals, "Working with Vidya Balan was fabulous; she’s a very good person too"

The hard-hitting No One Killed Jessica (2011) completed 15 years on January 7. It was director Raj Kumar Gupta’s second film after the much-loved Aamir (2011) and is memorable for several reasons, one of them being that it brought two powerhouse performers – Rani Mukerji and Vidya Balan – together. Meanwhile, Myra Karn’s casting also worked big time. She played Jessica and left a huge mark in a small role. However, No One Killed Jessica remains her only acting outing to date; since then, she has preferred working behind the scenes.

 

15 years of No One Killed Jessica EXCLUSIVE: Myra Karn gives a RARE interview on playing Jessica: “It’s not just a film; it’s a statement on our society”; reveals, "Working with Vidya Balan was fabulous; she’s a very good person too"

 

On the 15th anniversary of No One Killed Jessica, Myra spoke exclusively with Bollywood Hungama in a rare interview, opening up about the film and much more. Her infectious laugh, warm smile and kind-hearted nature lit up the room, making the conversation truly memorable.

 

At the onset, Raj Kumar Gupta, who incidentally tied the knot with Myra Karn in 2018, gave us an understanding of why he cast her, “Myra and I were friends. There is this very famous photograph of Jessica where she is smiling. That smile was very bright. Meanwhile, Myra also has a great smile and laugh. So, whenever I saw Jessica’s photograph, I used to be reminded of Myra. That’s why I kept persuading her. She thought I was joking and pulling her leg. When we began casting, I insisted that she should audition. It took me a lot of time to convince her. I simply told her, ‘You be what you are. Do nothing else’. She was finally convinced. She cracked the audition and signed the film.”

 

Myra Karn then told Bollywood Hungama, “I am from an academic background. I am an electronics and communication engineer with a first-class distinction. I was thinking about what to do next in life. Meanwhile, I had no interest in acting. Hence, I took up the role for fun's sake.”

 

 

Did she remember her first scene? She replied, “Yes. It was the one where Vidya Balan’s character Sabrina tries to wake me up. We also shot the scene where Jessica informs Sabrina of landing a job in Dubai.”

 

Myra said that working with Vidya Balan was a “nice experience”, “She was fabulous. She is one of the best actresses and a very good person.”

 

How does Myra feel when she watches No One Killed Jessica now? She smiled and replied, “I haven’t watched it in a long time. But I am glad it has become an iconic film. Out of his (Raj Kumar Gupta’s) filmography, this film stands out. I have seen people’s reaction when they learn that he had made No One Killed Jessica. That’s the respect and love it commands. It’s not just a film; it’s a statement on our society and the world we are living in. Also, it’s a mainstream Hindi film and yet has a global appeal.”

 

When asked how the critics reacted to her debut performance, she stated, “They all loved me (smiles). Even the audience appreciated the performance. I am glad that happened, as the idea was that people should feel empathy for Jessica. Without this key factor, the whole effort of Sabrina and Meera fighting for justice wouldn’t have been impactful. Hence, I am fortunate that I could get empathy out of people for the character.”

 

 

Raj Kumar Gupta has done cameos in several of his films. Did she ever come in front of the camera, albeit for a special appearance after No One Killed Jessica? Myra laughed and said, “No. I am happy being behind the scenes and delivering creative inputs, which he (Raj Kumar Gupta) appreciates.”

 

Raj Kumar Gupta proudly said, “She has her own creative mind. Whenever I finish the script, she’s the first one to read it. Thanks to her, I get an honest reaction and valuable suggestions. A lot of her suggestions have made it to the script. I have been sharing the script of my next film with her as well.”

 

Also Read: 15 Years Of No One Killed Jessica EXCLUSIVE: Raj Kumar Gupta opens up on writing process and why NOKJ is STILL the only film to beat ‘First Friday of the year’ jinx since 2011: “Back then, people believed female-centric films don’t work. And my film had two female protagonists!”

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