Vidya to play feisty Sabrina in movie on Jessica

Vidya Balan is set to experience a dash of reality. The actress is all set to play Sabrina Lall's character in director Rajkumar Gupta's next film, No One Killed Jessica. The UTV production is based on model Jessica Lall's murder.

"Vidya has been finalised because she fits the role perfectly. But I don't want to talk much about the casting as it leads to speculation. Right now, I can only confirm Vidya's presence but without going into the details," Gupta said.

Sabrina, on her part, is confident that Vidya will do a great job. In fact, she has already met Gupta to discuss the film and "found him to be a nice guy". Also, Sabrina is quite assured about the right interpretation of Jessica's case.

"Vidya is a beautiful girl and I have faith in the makers. People are generally worried about how Hindi films will portray real incidents but I am fine. Gupta and me discussed the film and Jessica's life for several days," Sabrina said.

Gupta will start shooting next February.The Aamir director feels after finalising Vidya, it will be easier for him to cast others. "I will announce the other actors soon. We're working on it," he said.

In the meantime, the Ishqiya girl is getting ready for her first "biographical role". Reportedly, she wanted to play Sabrina the minute she heard about the role and takes it as a challenge.She also plans to meet Sabrina shortly.Jessica's sister said she is yet to get a call from the Paa actress, though.Since Jessica's murder, Sabrina had fought to get her killers punished.

Gupta's film is "not completely based on Jessica's case", she said.Vidya apart, No One Killed Jessica has been making a lot of news over its star cast. Initially, Kareena was approached to play the slain model but she reportedly turned down the role, stating that she "couldn't connect with the character". She has reportedly said she "can't do a bit part in an offbeat flick just to prove that she can act". A few days ago, Rani Mukerji's name started doing the rounds for Gupta's film. It was suggested that Rani will play a fiery journalist. Sources said UTV was negotiating with her on her fees.

Gupta made the critically acclaimed Aamir last year. He has been working on his next film for a long time. He said his movie was not about just Jessica's murder. "It is not a documentary, it is fiction," he added.

"I was struck by the headline of a newspaper, No One Killed Jessica after all the accused in the Jessica murder case were acquitted by a court judgement," he said.Jessica Lall was shot at a bar in Delhi in 1999.