Netflix has recently released a gripping web series titled “Scoop,” drawing its inspiration from the world of real life murder of senior journalist J Dey and the dramatic arrest of journalist Jigna Vora. The series is based on the book “Behind the Bars in Byculla: My Days in Prison” by Jigna Vora, made for celluloid by the production duo of Hansal Mehta and Mrinmoyee Lagoo Vaikul.
Centered around the character of Jagriti Pathak, a crime journalist, “Scoop” chronicles her journey through the tumultuous realm of crime reporting, which is often deemed less safe for women. The series is based on real-life events, with the characters drawing inspiration from actual individuals, albeit with changed names. Let’s delve into the ensemble cast and their real-life counterparts depicted on the screen.
- Jagruti Pathak (Jigna Vora) : The character of Jagriti Pathak is based on journalist Jigna Vora, who was faced the charge and subsequent arrest of conspiring to murder senior crime journalist Jyotirmoy Dey back in June 2011. At that time, Jigna Vora was employed at “The Asian Age” but faced a premature end to her journalism career due to the case. She was alleged to have provided details of J Dey to the notorious mafia figure Chhota Rajan. Consequently, Jigna spent approximately nine months behind bars until her acquittal in 2018, owing to a lack of evidence. Presently, Jigna Vora is engaged in tarot card reading and writing, having penned a book based on her experiences during incarceration.
- Jaydeb Sen (J Dey): Within the narrative of “Scoop,” Jagriti Pathak finds herself embroiled in the murder of senior journalist Jaydeb Sen, affectionately known as J Dey.. The real-life J Dey (Jyotimoy Dev) was tragically murdered in 2011 near Hiranandani Gardens in Powai, Mumbai. Chhota Rajan took responsibility for the heinous act, purportedly motivated by articles written against him. In May 2018, a special CBI court convicted Chhota Rajan and seven others, with the former receiving a life sentence. Prosenjit Chatterjee adeptly portrays the character of the senior journalist Jaydeb Sen in “Scoop.”
- Imran Siddiqui (Hussain Zaidi): In “Scoop,” Imran Siddiqui serves as Jagriti’s boss and the resident editor-in-chief of the newspaper where she is employed. This character finds its roots in investigative journalist S. Hussain Zaidi, who held the position of resident editor-in-chief at “The Asian Age” during the incident. S. Hussain Zaidi has authored numerous books delving into the Mumbai Mafia World, including titles such as “Dongri to Dubai,” “Mafia Queens of Mumbai,” “Black Friday,” “My Name is Abu Salem,” and “Mumbai Avengers.” Then fabulous actor Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub delivers a commendable performance in bringing this character to life on the screen. Several films have been adapted from S. Hussain Zaidi’s books.
- JCP Shroff (Himanshu Roy): In “Scoop,”‘ viewers may have noticed the frequent encounters between Jagruti and JCP Shroff, a pivotal character whose actions sway the narrative. Portrayed brilliantly by Harman Baweja, this character draws inspiration from the renowned IPS officer, Himanshu Roy. Back in 2011, during the investigation of the Jigna Vora case, Himanshu Roy served as the Joint Commissioner of the Mumbai Police, later gaining prominence as an encounter specialist. However, his tale took a somber turn in 2018 when he shot himself to death following battle with depression and cancer.
- Leena Pradhan (Meenal Baghel) – Leena Pradhan is shown as the editor-in-chief of City Mirror’ competing for mileage against ‘Eastern Age’. Her character is based on Meenal Baghel, senior editor of ‘Mumbai Mirror’. Meenal Baghel embarked on her role as editor of Mumbai Mirror in 2005, coinciding with the newspaper’s inaugural phase. Prior to this significant position, she served as the deputy editor at Mid Day in Mumbai, where she skilfully supervised the newsroom and played a pivotal role in revamping the design and overall product. Between 1996 and 2001, Baghel contributed her expertise to the Indian Express, assuming the role of editor for the Sunday paper situated in Delhi. Before this, she successfully managed Newsline, the Express’s city supplement, in Mumbai. Baghel is the Executive Editor at Hindustan Times, She is also a podcaster and has written a book called ‘Death in Mumbai’ which delves into the infamous Maria Susairaj case. Leena Pradhan’s character is played by actress Tannishtha Chatterjee.
- AGDP Ramesh Malik (Rakesh Maria)- His character draws parallels with real life famous cop and commissioner of police, Rakesh Maria. Rakesh Maria, a former IPS officer, solved several high-profile cases during his career. He played a key role in investigating the 1993 Mumbai Bomb Blasts, arresting Sanjay Dutt for illegal firearms possession, solving the 2003 Gateway of India and Zaveri Bazaar blasts, leading the investigation into the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and solving the murder of Matka King Suresh Bhagat. Maria’s exceptional investigative skills and leadership were evident in these cases. Rakesh Maria, the former IPS officer, played a significant role in the Jigna Vora case. Jigna Vora, a journalist, was accused of being involved in the murder of senior crime journalist Jyotirmoy Dey in 2011. As Joint Commissioner of Mumbai Police at the time, Maria led the investigation into the case. Under his supervision, the police gathered evidence and conducted thorough interrogations, ultimately leading to the arrest of Jigna Vora. Although Maria’s involvement in the case was crucial, it is important to note that Jigna Vora was acquitted in 2018 due to lack of evidence. Ramesh Malik’s character is reprised by actor Darshan Dave.
- Rambha Maa (Jaya Cheddha) = The feared character Rambha Maa draws inspiration from the notorious hardcore criminal, Jaya Chheda, commonly known as Jaya Maa within the prison walls. Jaya Chheda was the wife of Suresh Bhagat, the influential matka king of Mumbai, who met a tragic end in a fatal accident back in 2008. Following her husband’s demise, Jaya took the reins of the Matka business, earning the moniker “Matka Queen.” However, her journey took a dark turn when she was convicted of Suresh’s murder in 2013 and subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment. It is worth noting that in 2018, Jaya Chheda was granted bail by the Bombay High Court on medical grounds, allowing a glimpse into the complexities of her life behind bars. In ‘Scoop,’ the character Rambha Maa captures the essence of Jaya’s compelling story, showcasing her commanding presence and the influence she wields within the prison walls. Rambha Maa’s role is played by Tejaswini Kolhapure.
- Saadhvi Maa (Sadhvi Pragya Thakur): The character of Saadhvi Maa draws inspiration from Sadhvi Pragya Thakur, who, at the time, was incarcerated in Byculla jail for her alleged involvement in the Malegaon bomb blast. Jigna Vora, the journalist at the heart of the series, had numerous encounters with Sadhvi Pragya during their time in jail. Jigna Vora’s book delves extensively into the intricacies of Sadhvi Pragya’s life. Sharda Maa’s character in ‘Scoop’ exhibits shades of manipulation and self-interest, exploring the enigmatic world of spiritual figures entangled in the realm of crime and punishment. The role of Sharda Maa is essayed by Shikha Talsania.’
Jaydeb Sen
Imran Siddiqui (Hussain Zaidi)
JCP Shroff (Himanshu Roy)
