Jigna Vora shares how writing became her lifeline

Mumbai: Jigna Vora’s life has been anything but ordinary. From working as a journalist to facing the harsh realities of being an undertrial prisoner, participating in Bigg Boss, and now carving a niche as a tarot card reader, astrologer, and writer, Jigna has consistently turned her experiences into stories that resonate. For her, writing has never been just about putting words on paper—it has been a lifeline, a source of strength, and a means of healing.
Reflecting on her journey as a writer, which began during her time in Byculla Jail, Mumbai, she shared, “I have written two books so far. My first, Behind Bars in Byculla: My Days in Prison, was entirely my own story. More than anything, writing it was therapeutic. There were things I couldn’t share with my family—they would have been heartbroken knowing what I went through. Writing became my way to process those experiences and find strength in them.”
The book itself stirred conversation, but its on-screen adaptation turned her story into a phenomenon. “Honestly, I never imagined my book would be adapted into a web series, but it did. Scoop allowed my story to reach millions, yet I always encourage people to read the book because it truly reflects the journey of a strong woman,” she said.
Seeing her personal journey brought to life on screen was an overwhelming experience. “It was surreal,” she admitted.
Her second book, Bano: Bharat Ki Beti, is also set to be adapted for the screen as Haq. “I feel proud that stories of resilience and strength are finding larger platforms,” she noted.
Talking about Bano, she explained, “It’s based on the landmark Shah Bano case of 1985. I was just 11 at the time, but the story of Shah Bano always stayed with me. At 62, she was abandoned by her husband, yet she stood up for her rights and fought her case. For me, it was never about religion—it was about justice and women’s rights. My message is clear: no woman should be abandoned, and women have immense strength to fight for themselves, even without support.”
Jigna is drawn to real-life stories rather than fiction. “Real stories come naturally to me because they carry raw emotions. Around us, countless untold stories exist—everyone is navigating something unseen. If you asked me to write fiction, I’d be lost,” she admitted.
“Our lives are a mix of highs and lows, and I aim to capture those emotions. I’m currently working on my third book, again inspired by a real incident from my own life. Let’s see how it takes shape,” she shared.
She emphasized that authenticity is what connects deeply with readers. “When you’ve lived through something, you don’t need to exaggerate—it already carries the power to engage. My goal is to narrate truthfully, with every emotion intact, because authenticity always touches the heart,” Jigna concluded.