Did Mikhail Bora walk into the Bigg Boss Bangla house to keep the home fires burning? Hours after he made a sensational entry on screen as someone who can whip up “105 kinds of pastas“, friends and acquaintances in Guwahati suggested that Mikhail's life was in such a flux after the Sheena Bora murder case broke and his mother Indrani Mukerjea went to jail for it that he desperately needed the money to bring things back on track.

Mikhail's financial trouble is even more shocking since his mother, the well-heeled and well-to-do Indrani - arrested by Mumbai Police last August for her alleged involvement in Sheena's murder - is a media executive, who is also the present wife of disgraced media mogul Peter Mukerjea.

Sanjib Kalita, Sheena's batchmate from Disneyland High School in Guwahati, who has known Mikhail for years, said he came to know about the Bigg Boss chapter only recently. “Some of our close friends told me that Mikhail was joining Bigg Boss Bangla,“ he said. On being asked if Mikhail was going through a financial crisis, he told us, “When his grandmother Durga Rani passed away last year, Mikhail did not even have the money for the shraddh. All his friends, including me, raised funds for the ceremony. We gave whatever we could - Rs 200-300. The family had also rented out a portion of their house and ran the kitchen with that money.“

Mikhail's girlfriend, Moushumi Das, told us that though he was in dire straits, Mikhail was hesitant about taking up the offer from Bigg Boss. “He was quite averse to the offer at first. But I made him understand that it is a good opportunity and he should go for it. Money is very important for each one of us and financially Mikhail is not in a sound place. So the money is much needed. I've been in a relationship with Mikhail for the past two years and I am very happy that he has gone to Bigg Boss Bangla. I know how he has suffered during the Sheena Bora case. He would cry all night. I want him to be positive and concentrate on the show. I told him I will look after the family and he should be free in his mind and give it his best,“ she told us from Guwahati.

Earlier, Mikhail used to reportedly get Rs 15,000 every month from his mother. Some reports claim the pocket money continued to come his way even after the disappearance of Sheena in 2012, but stopped last year. His friend Sanjib feels the Bigg Boss Bangla offer might help Mikhail tide over the crisis. “Whatever money he gets will help Mikhail set up a business in Guwahati. He also has to take care of his old and ailing grandfather (Upendra Kumar Bora),“ he said. An image makeover for Mikhail would be vital at this point. Sujoy Kutty, senior vice-president of the channel airing the show, said it wasn't easy convincing him to enter the Bigg Boss house. The move was guarded like a state secret. “It took us four months to convince Mikhail. At first, he was uncomfortable and refused to speak to us,“ said Sujoy. But isn't the channel trying to exploit Mikhail's controversial past for the show? To this, Sujoy retorted, “Mikhail is a good contestant for the show. Every participant has a past and so does he, but we are trying to reveal the unknown side to him. Also, we have no business probing the Sheena Bora murder case, but can't stop anyone from bringing it up.“

Though Sujoy did not reveal how much the channel had to shell out to convince Mikhail, sources close to the show said he would be getting Rs 50,000 per week. Though unconfirmed, the source added, “It is meagre in comparison to what some of the other contestants are getting. This only shows how desperate Mikhail is to make money at this point in time.“

Peter Mukerjea's sister Shangom Das Gupta had filed a petition in the Bombay High Court seeking a stay on the release of the Hindi, English, Bengali trilingual film, Dark Chocolate, claiming that it shows the troubled media baron in an adverse light and would hamper his shot at a fair and impartial trial. The Court on Wednesday refused to grant any interim relief to Peter, citing the premature nature of the petition.

“He filed the petition based on what he gathered from social media and the only trailer we released a while ago. Yes, the film is inspired by the Sheena Bora murder case but has nothing to do with Peter's life. In fact, we finished the shooting before he was arrested. We started in September 2015 and were done by October end. Mukerjea was arrested sometime in November,“ reasons director Agnidev Chatterjee. Sudeep Mukherjee and Mahima Chaudhary's characters are inspired by Peter and Indrani Mukerjea respectively.

The petition was also sent to the Censor Board of Film Certification (CBFC), the film's producer Pradip Churiwal, his company Macneill Engineering and Chatterjee. “No one from the CBFC turned up at the hearing. The refuse to have anything to do with the matter till the film is submitted for certification. We have clarified that our film is inspired by real life events that are already in the public domain,“ says the filmmaker.

The project is currently in post-production and the court has ruled that a stay cannot be issued on a film until it's ready. “We'll be filing an affidavit countering Peter's claims before the second hearing, which is in two week's time,“ informs Chatterjee. Peter and his representatives have requested to be present for the CBFC screening.

For now, the court has directed the makers to not release any fresh publicity material.

Is there a sense of vindication - in the sense that you've managed to stir a debate - with all the feedback you've received after Talvar released?
I won't say vindication, because that wasn't the purpose. I would say redemption. When you say vindication, then it comes across as ghamand, ki mujhe toh ye pata tha. But mujhe ye nahi pata tha ki ye iss tarah se hoga.

How much of this film is emotion-driven ideology for you?
Strangely, I am processing it emotionally now. I didn't get an opportunity to do it while I was making the film. There is an emotional ideology, but I hesitate to voice it too openly because I don't want it to look like I'm doing publicity for the film. But I very, very strongly feel that there are questions and a serious doubt whether the two people who are behind bars today, are there because they are guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

So when you entered the film, you entered it with intellectual curiosity or with emotion?
Curiosity.

And now you are emotional, once the film is out and stirring up questions?
Yes, because I was also gullible to what ever was happening. There were stories of incest as well which people have for gotten now. They only remember stories about wife-swapping and Aarushi having an illegitimate relationship with Hemraj. Before all that, there were stories of incest as well and they were so appalling. Family photos were shown in the news where, if his (Rajesh Talwar's) hand was around his daughter, I was trying to read the body language and see if this is just a picture of a father hugging his daughter or can I see incest over here? I have gone through those emotions. So, for me, it was completely curiosity that triggered the immediate, spontaneous urge to do this film. Jaise hi yeh suggestion aaya, I grabbed it, without thinking about it for a second. And that was from curiosity. Emotions started coming in during the research. Then one had to shut it down to work on the script with Vishalji (Bhardwaj), discuss it and then make the film. Now, the emotions are coming back. Yes, the film is being liked and it is doing well, and then what? There's a reason why it is resonating with the people.

How troubled were you when you started doing your homework (for the film)? As you said, you started with a presumption, which changed as you did homework and then your opinions changed....
My opinion changed by the time the first CBI team was disbanded. By then you knew that there is more to the case than what you're hearing. It became clear by then. By the time the second team started investigating, there was already a Supreme Court order on the reporting of the case. So there was no news on at all. By the time the trial started, I was already researching for the film; going back to 2008. It was mind-boggling. You are reading about a person, for example the inspector who came on to the crime scene first, you are reading about what he did in 2008 and then you're reading his testimony in court, where he is saying 'cooler ka panel bhaari tha'. The absurdity of it just smacks you. I can't even use the word surreal because I give that word a positive connotation. It was frightening.

There are people who say that after following the case, though they're intrigued, they cannot watch the film because it would be too disturbing for them. What would you say to them?
Well, we are showing that harsh reality and we are living with that disturbance. Movie dekh ke kya disturb ho jaoge? Hum toh jee rahe hain usko. If you think being cocooned is the answer and things are going to get better automatically, then how will we get where we are aspiring to be? Being a better people, a better country? That piece which came in print a few days back, where reporters went and spoke to people in Jal Vayu Vihar, that line just stuck with me - ki haan woh thi, bahut log aaye tamasha dekhne, aur phir chale gaye. You thank your stars that this misfortune passed your door and landed at your neighbours'.

Is there a class divide in India when it comes to being vulnerable to this, or is it across all strata?
Our vulnerability towards our law enforcement, towards our system, is the same. If you think having money is going to oil the machinery for you, it can work against you as well. And if you don't have the money, then God help you. Being a Gulzar, or being somebody known, that doesn't give you immunity against something happening tomorrow?

Do you feel as vulnerable to the legal process?
Of course! Look at all the high-profile cases. I hate bringing this case up in reference to Talvar (which I had to do before the film's release and had to answer a lot of questions), but every time something new emerges in the Sheena Bora murder case, it is scary. This is a high-profile case, everyone knows who she is, and whether she (Indrani Mukerjea) is the murderer or not is not the point. The point is when you pitch this against the custodial death of somebody unknown, we're all vulnerable.

What is the most sensitive thing you have heard about the movie since it released? One thing that is stuck in your head? One is the art form - the brilliance of execution, or that scene was shot very smartly, that's one part; the craft of it.
Strangely, the majority of the responses are not about the craft. It is about the story. And this is something I am not surprised by. Because even when I was showing the film to the technicians who were supposed to comment on the post-production process, the technicality, they didn't want to talk after watching the movie. They were so shaken by the story. And when they left, they started researching and Googling about the story. Kaam ki baat humari teen-char din baad hui.

What is your satisfaction quotient?
I am happy. The first reason why I am happy is because my parents could see this. My struggles could have been difficult for me, but it must have been ten-fold for them. Because of their frustration at their own helplessness of not being able to help me in reaching the heights that they reached. That could not have been easy. So for me, primarily on a personal level, this is my fulcrum of it - that they got to see this. That I gave them a day like this.

What did your father say when he saw the film?
He didn't speak. We finished our screening and during the 20-25 minute drive from there to the restaurant where we were going to eat, he didn't speak. I kept probing, ki ye bata dijiye, woh bata dijiye. And then finally, in the politest possible way to get me to shut up, he said, 'Baat karne ka mann nahi kar raha.' He wasn't soaking in the fact that I could make this film, and it was so good. It was, again, the story that did it.

You do realise that you have now appropriated this case for all time to come? If there is any new development in the trial, acquittal or confirmation, each time your film's stills will be shown, people will come to talk to you.
If this happens, I will be very proud. That happened with me with Filhaal also. When Filhaal came out, nobody knew what surrogacy was. When our first surrogacy laws were being drafted, there was a whole debate about patients' rights, safeguarding the rights of the mother, how it should not become a business. And every time there was a debate on TV, they would call me. Not that I am an authority on it, it is not as in-depth a film as this (Talvar) is. But it always feels good, especially if you want your film to have some kind of relevance to the society it is made in and for. If it is remembered, when that issue comes up, I don't think there is anything more satisfactory.

With more than a dozen films to his credit, Vishal Bhardwaj has charmed us into awaiting movies from his stable. Basking under the glorious sense of satisfaction after receiving rave reviews for Talvar at the recently-concluded Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), the filmmaker admits that he has finally learnt script writing. The movie, which is based on the 2008 Noida double murder, was once again in the news after Sheena Bora's death made headlines. Bhardwaj, who is currently in the US, talks to Bombay Times about the bizarreness of these cases, how we live in a dysfunctional society and why the film's black humour evoked laughter at the TIFF. Here's how our conversation with the Bollywood Bardman rolled...

You are synonymous with the Bard and are popular for your rendition of Shakespearean plays. So, what was it about the Aarushi Talwar murder case that prompted you to foray into the sphere of investigative thrillers?
I've always had an affinity for crime dramas and police procedurals in films. I like all genres equally except horror, which I am not very comfortable with. But, as a filmmaker, you've to take your picks because it is impossible to make so many movies. What script you take up depends on what you are most excited about when you decide to make a film. Talvar is an investigative whodunit and for the first time, I was excavating truths about a real incident and trying to make a drama based on it. As the saying goes, truth is stranger than fiction and in this case, it was much stranger than fiction. It was so tragic and dramatic that you rarely get a chance to write such a film.

Whose idea was it to make a film on this case?
It was my idea. Meghna Gulzar (the director) wanted me to write a script for her. Pritish Nandy, our common friend, had approached me. Meghna is like a daughter to him. He wanted to give her a surprise. When she and I met, I told her about this idea. People didn't know the minute details of the Noida double murder. I'd happened to meet Arun Kumar, the first investigating officer of the case, over a drink. He told me a few appalling things that intrigued me. Meghna did all the research and then we kept meeting people involved in the case. In fact, we've met all the parties concerned - from the three investigating teams to the parents.

How was it working with Meghna?
She is extremely passionate and her gusto is infallible. She would be researching constantly, tabulating matter and deducing conclusions from the different investigations that happened. She helped me a lot with the film's groundwork, varna main toh woh sab padhne mein hi reh jaata.

Did you feel possessive about your script and anxious about the treatment?
I decided to let go because as a filmmaker I know that a writer can be annoying. To translate what is written on paper to cinema needs changes. It is inevitable when sketches become characters of flesh and blood. When the story comes to life on celluloid, it has to be the director's vision. I had a lot of faith in Meghna because of her passionate involvement in the whole process. Her spunk and conviction bowled me over. I barely visited the sets because I didn't want to be intrusive. Towards the end, she would literally drag me to the shoot. In any case, I don't think I would've directed it better than her.

How did you remain sensitive as well as objective while writing he story?
One has to be responsible because it is a bizarre case. Nobody knows what happened that night and people have different theories. Each of these is backed by their respective evidences. I found it to be a strong case for a Rashomon scenario. Since the parties are still involved in the case, we didn't have the scope of going wrong in any way. Neither did we want to offend anyone. When you see and hear the three distinct perspectives, you make an informed choice knowing the theories vis-à-vis each other.

I might have a personal take on this film but as a writer, I had to be unbiased. Some theories sound fake and then, you are bound to question them. I had to stay objective as a writer to make sure the film remains neutral. As filmmakers, we haven't declared anyone guilty. But, depending on the viewer's perspective, they will make their choice on what really happened that night.

Is there a conclusive ending to the film?
There is an unresolved revelation at the end of this movie. The judiciary has given its verdict and you can't go against it. But then, it is up to us whether the verdict is satisfactory or tragic. You can't have a final word because the parents have appealed to a higher court. The case is expected to reopen soon. But our intention was to initiate a discussion before the court proceedings start. People are not aware of what really happened. For instance, the servants who were the prime suspects earlier are now scot-free and in Nepal. People should be made aware of these details before the case reaches the court again.

A few scenes from the trailer have a satirical hint. Have you used black humour in the film?
Satire is the most potent tool to convey your dissatisfaction with the system. The film's climax has a natural satirical quality. In parts, it is hilarious. It is a disturbing combination when you laugh and feel bad about cracking up. At TIFF, there was laughter in some scenes. I can not live without black humour in my movies. I might make dark films but I am not a boring man. I am a very juicy, interesting person.

There are disturbing similarities between the double murder and the Sheena Bora case. Both are honour killings involving the crème de la crème of society. Why do you think such incidents happen frequently?
As these are high-profile cases, they are in the limelight. Our society is a lot more dysfunctional than we can see. Won't you call the regular bans dysfunctional? When I was shooting for Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola in Haryana, I met middle class people who were as rational and civil as us. But when prodded on the question of honour killings, their hearts tilted towards the ghastly idea. If a couple elopes, the families meet the Khap Panchayat. They make a pact that if the boy's family catches them first, then they will kill the girl and vice versa. How inhuman, insensitive and barbaric is that? It is not restricted to an Aarushi Talwar or a Sheena Bora murder case. We are becoming really dysfunctional as a society, in every aspect and are regressing by the day.

Why do you think there is a prodigious interest in these cases?
Not many cases are as sensational as these, which questions the fundamentals on which our society is based. They question our morals as parents and so it evokes interest in people. It is very titillating and amusing to the level of disturbing. The way the Sheena Bora case has been covered is insensitive. There are headlines which read ­ Indrani ate a sandwich in jail. Sholay had this dialogue which said ­ Court, kachery ka chakkar ho jaayegaa mausi. Every time I watch Talvar, I shudder to think that if people get caught in the whirlpool of this faulty judicial system, how will they come out of it?

Is there a déjà vu that Talvar releases on the same day as Haider did last year?
Shah Rukh Khan reserved Diwali. Salman Khan reserved Eid. Aamir Khan reserved Christmas. So, we decided to take the Gandhian way. I want to own this day every year. But for Talvar, the date has a special significance. Coincidentally, our film is releasing on October 2, which is the International Wrongful Conviction Day. It makes so much more sense.

Like last year, even this time your film is pitted against a commercial potboiler.
I am happy to be the ignorant man I am. Mujhe lagta hai mujhse accha toh koi hai hi nahin. Obviously, Akshay Kumar is a big star. I don't care about clashes because every film decides its own audience.

News from Kolkata has it that Riya Sen will play a character inspired by Sheena Bora in a Bengali film based on her murder that already has Rituparna Sengupta as the Indrani Mukerjea figure. Director Agnidev Chatterjee confirms that when he decided to make a film inspired by the Sheena Bora murder case, Riya was his first choice for the role of Sheena.

Riya, who was travelling to London and then Washington when we got in touch, said, “Agnidev is a sensible filmmaker. I'm sure a topic such as this will make for great viewing material. Sheena's character comes across as grey, and it will be a challenge for me. The film is special as I'll be working with Rituparna. My dad had told me that if ever there was a movie on the case, I should play Sheena. So, it's like a dream and my parents are thrilled to bits.“

Agnidev added, “We're considering Dhritiman Chatterjee for the character inspired by Peter Mukerjea and Rajesh Sharma for the driver's role. While Shataf Figar will be playing the role based on Sanjeev Khanna, Sabyasachi Chakrabarty will slip into the top police officer's shoes. Others we're looking at for supporting roles include Biswajit Chakraborty, Sreela Majumdar, Biplab Chatterjee, Tota Roy Choudhury and Kaushik Sen.“ Both Tota and Kaushik confirmed that they had been approached but were yet to sign up.

The film, which will go on the floors on September 27, will be shot in Kolkata, Mumbai and Guwahati.

Anjuri Nayar Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 3, 2015)

Many celebrities are guarded about what they say, but not actor Sonakshi Sinha. The 28-year-old, who recently urged people on Twitter to stop making jokes on murder victim Sheena Bora and posted an apology to Delhi boy Sarvjeet Singh, accused of allegedly molesting Delhi University student Jasleen Kaur, talks about how people hide behind the anonymity on social networking sites and how she does not fear being trolled online.

While celebrities are often guarded when it comes to talking about issues, you have spoken up for Sheena Bora as well as Sarabjit Singh. What was the thought process behind this?
I don’t say anything about things that are not my business, unless I feel it’s the right thing to do and unless I feel strongly about it. I was shocked at how people were making jokes about a young girl (Sheena Bora) who lost her life. I found it really insensitive, and that’s why I spoke about it. People think they can say anything they want on social media. A sane person would not dare say stuff like that in real life. With Sarabjit, I, like many others, was swayed by what was being written and said about him, and gave Jasleen the benefit of doubt just because she’s a girl. I realised later that I shouldn’t have jumped the gun, and immediately apologised. I didn’t do anything great, it was just the right thing to do.

While we have always seen you speak your mind online, a lot of celebrities have also spoken up about being trolled on Twitter. What are your thoughts on that?
Rationality, etiquette and manners go out the window when it comes to saying things online. If a person says the kind of things people say online in real life, they will be branded rude, obnoxious, psychotic and probably be outcasts. People have found a really nice veil of anonymity online, that gives them the liberty of being complete and utter douchebags.

We have heard you sing on quite a few platforms now. Would you consider playback singing for any of your films?
I like to sing — it’s a hobby, just like how I love to dance. I would definitely like to explore it in the near future. Let’s see where it goes.

In terms of work, would you say that you are a workoholic or are you someone who can maintain a nice balance between work and personal life?
I am someone who likes to believe that I am very balanced, but I am a hopeless workoholic.

You were recently in the US for a while. How important is it to take these breaks to rejuvenate?
I was actually there for work! I was travelling in the States for a show. I get such little time off that I like to club my holidays with work, otherwise I wouldn’t get to see the world at all! So, before my tour, I took a short break of four days in New York, and took some time off in San Francisco.