Now, Nira Radia to be caught on film

When facts are stranger, who needs fiction. At least, that’s what Bollywood appears to be thinking, as its latest inspiration is the Rs1.76 lakh crore 2G scam, at the centre of which is a woman, corporate lobbyist Nira Radia.

A UK-based production company, Hiten Group, has roped in director Satchit Puranik of Mr Ya Miss fame and Hollywood director of photography Mathew R Blute.

Interestingly, model-actress Poonam Jhawar, known for her bold and revealing photo shoots, will play Radia in the film titled 2G Radia-tion.

“The film’s Indian line producer Manoj Nandwana was looking for a subject for a Hindi movie. He wasn’t too excited about Bollywood masala films and wanted something different. After days of brainstorming, he decided to go ahead with a film loosely based on Radia’s life since it has intrigue, power and exploitation — all the ingredients that go into making a fun and thrilling film,” Jhawar told DNA.

The movie will trace Radia’s life as a young entrepreneur who went on to grab national headlines after the 2G scam was exposed. Jhawar said the producer approached her for the role since he believes she resembles Radia.

“As an actress and a woman I find Radia and her tainted career graph very interesting. Her appeal lies in her cool and brainy outlook towards life. Even after the controversy hit national headlines, she seemed so calm and collected in the media glare. She comes across as a spunky woman who is not afraid of controversy — in that way she is a little like me,” the actress added with a laugh.

The film’s story line will have an element of fiction and will not be an entirely true account of Radia’s life, admits Jhawar, who claims to be doing research on Radia’s character. “Since it is not possible to meet Radia and study her body language, for the time being I am content going through articles written on her and have also found some pictures of her in her younger days,” added the actress who intends to give her own spin to Radia’s looks and mannerisms.