‘No One Killed Jessica’ clocks 15: Jessica aka Myra Karn reflects on ‘fabulous experience’ working with Vidya Balan | Hindi Movie News

Fifteen years post-release, ‘No One Killed Jessica’ remains a haunting piece of cinema. Director Raj Kumar Gupta discovered Myra Karn, who bore an uncanny likeness to a haunting image of Jessica Lall. Initially an engineer with no intention of acting, Karn accepted the role as a whimsical challenge, ultimately delivering a striking performance that resonated with audiences.

‘No One Killed Jessica’ marked 15 years on January 7, reaffirming its place as one of Hindi cinema’s most hard-hitting dramas. Directed by Raj Kumar Gupta, the 2011 film followed his debut ‘Aamir’ and united Rani Mukerji and Vidya Balan in a rare collaboration that drew wide acclaim. The film also introduced Myra Karn as Jessica Lall, a brief but powerful performance that stayed with audiences long after the credits rolled. Though praised for her debut, Karn chose not to pursue acting and has since worked behind the scenes.Myra Karn spoke to Bollywood Hungama on the 15th anniversary of ‘No One Killed Jessica’, reflecting on her only acting role. “Meanwhile, I had no interest in acting. Hence, I took up the role for fun’s sake.” Director Raj Kumar Gupta said, “Whenever I saw Jessica’s photograph, I used to be reminded of Myra.”

Why did Raj Kumar Gupta choose Myra Karn?

Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, Gupta explained why he felt Karn was right for the role. “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,” he said. “So, whenever I saw Jessica’s photograph, I used to be reminded of Myra.”He added that convincing her was not easy. “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,” he said. “I simply told her, ‘You be what you are. Do nothing else’. She was finally convinced. She cracked the audition and signed the film.”

Life after ‘No One Killed Jessica’

Karn never planned an acting career. “I am from an academic background. I am an electronics and communication engineer with a first-class distinction,” she said. “Meanwhile, I had no interest in acting. Hence, I took up the role for fun’s sake.”She recalled her first scene clearly. “Yes. It was the one where Vidya Balan’s character Sabrina tries to wake me up,” she said, also mentioning the scene where Jessica tells her sister about a job in Dubai. Calling her co-star a joy to work with, Karn said, “She was fabulous. She is one of the best actresses and a very good person.”Looking back, she said the film still holds weight. “It’s not just a film; it’s a statement on our society and the world we are living in,” she said. Gupta added that Karn remains his first reader. “Whenever I finish the script, she’s the first one to read it,” he said, crediting her honest feedback.