Indrani Mukerjea, the former media executive and HR consultant, has emerged victorious in an unexpected way, recently winning the prestigious Best Debut Non-Fiction Award at the Pravasi Bharatiya Literature Festival (PVLF) 2025 for her memoir Unbroken. This recognition comes at a time when her life has been marked by public controversy and legal battles, including her infamous role as the main accused in the 2012 murder case of her daughter, Sheena Bora. The memoir, published in 2023 by HarperCollins, sheds light on Mukerjea’s tumultuous journey, both in her personal life and professional career, offering readers an unflinching look at the woman behind the headlines.
Unbroken: A Candid Look at a Complex Life
Unbroken is a poignant account of Mukerjea’s life, from her childhood in Guwahati to her rise as a media executive, and the ultimate tragic circumstances that led to her arrest and the ongoing Sheena Bora murder trial. The book not only offers insights into her professional journey, where she co-founded the INX Group and played a pivotal role in the creation of INX Media, but also delves into the complexities of her personal relationships, particularly with her daughter Sheena.
In her memoir, Mukerjea opens up about her strained relationships with her children, her marriage to Peter Mukerjea, and the devastating loss of her daughter. She recounts how, in a surprising turn of events, Sheena went missing in 2012, and how, years later, it was revealed that Indrani was accused of orchestrating her murder. Unbroken gives voice to Mukerjea’s personal struggles, her battle with the justice system, and her time in prison, painting a picture of a woman who is both a victim and a survivor of a complicated, often cruel world.
Despite the intense scrutiny she has faced, the memoir was lauded for its raw honesty, and its ability to bring to light the human side of a case that captivated India. Mukerjea’s triumph at the PVLF 2025 for her debut non-fiction work underscores her remarkable resilience in the face of adversity.
The Sheena Bora Murder Case: A Shadow Over Her Life
Indrani Mukerjea’s life is inextricably linked to the murder of her daughter, Sheena Bora, which unfolded in a scandalous and shocking manner. Sheena, who had been living with Indrani and Peter in Mumbai, disappeared in April 2012. It wasn’t until three years later, in 2015, that the grisly details of Sheena’s death came to light, and Indrani was arrested by the Mumbai Police. The case quickly became one of the most high-profile criminal investigations in India, with Indrani and her ex-husband, Sanjeev Khanna, being accused of plotting Sheena’s murder. The police contended that Sheena was murdered due to a combination of financial motives and her relationship with Peter Mukerjea’s son from a previous marriage, Rahul.
Indrani’s arrest and the subsequent investigation revealed layers of family secrets, business intrigue, and allegations of financial misconduct involving the INX Group, which she had co-founded with Peter. As the investigation unfolded, it became apparent that Sheena’s death was not an isolated incident, but part of a larger narrative involving corporate corruption, money laundering, and betrayal.
The case has kept Mukerjea in the headlines for years, and the ongoing trial has yet to reach a conclusion. After spending more than six years in custody, she was granted bail in 2022 by the Supreme Court, largely due to the slow progress of the trial. Her bail conditions included restrictions on her travel, contact with witnesses, and an ongoing legal battle to clear her name.
The PVLF 2025 and Her Award
Indrani Mukerjea’s achievement at the PVLF 2025 marks a significant moment in her long and tumultuous public journey. The PVLF, an event that celebrates the contributions of the Indian diaspora to literature, awarded her the Best Debut Non-Fiction Award for Unbroken, recognizing the memoir’s literary merit and its courageous narrative.
Reflecting on the honor, Mukerjea shared on Instagram (on Feb 5, 2025): “✨ From the depths of my heart to the pages of a book, and now to this incredible moment! ✨ UNBROKEN published by @harpercollinsin has been honored with the Best Debut Non-Fiction Award at PVLF 2025, and I am truly humbled by this recognition. This journey of resilience, truth, and self-discovery wouldn’t have been possible without your unwavering love and support—and the incredible team at HarperCollins India who believed in my story and brought it to life. Thank you for embracing Unbroken so wholeheartedly. This award is as much yours as it is mine! 💛”
Mukerjea’s words reflect the deep gratitude she feels for her readers and the HarperCollins India team who helped bring Unbroken to life. The memoir’s success is a testament to the collective support that made her story resonate with so many.
A Life of Contradictions
Indrani Mukerjea’s life is a tapestry of contradictions. On one hand, she was a successful businesswoman who co-founded INX Media, a major player in India’s media industry, and became a recognized figure in the world of human resources consulting. On the other hand, her personal life has been marred by scandal, legal entanglements, and accusations that have painted her as a villain in the media. The Sheena Bora murder case, which is still ongoing, has been a focal point of her life for nearly a decade, overshadowing all other aspects of her legacy.
Despite the negative media attention, Unbroken has provided a platform for Mukerjea to present her side of the story, offering readers a glimpse into her life that is not solely defined by her legal troubles. The memoir does not shy away from the darker moments of her life but instead offers a nuanced perspective on the events that have shaped her.
For Mukerjea, winning the PVLF award is a significant personal victory. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is room for redemption and recognition. The memoir, while not without controversy, stands as a powerful statement of resilience and the complexity of human experience.
Conclusion
Indrani Mukerjea’s victory at the PVLF 2025 is an unexpected but welcome recognition of her writing talents and her ability to confront a lifetime of hardship with honesty and grace. Unbroken is not just a memoir of a woman accused of murder; it is a testament to the strength of character, the complexity of human emotions, and the resilience required to overcome personal and professional turmoil. As the Sheena Bora case continues to unfold in the courts, Mukerjea’s story remains one of the most compelling and tragic narratives in modern Indian history.
Disclaimer:
This article relies on information already in the public domain. We do not claim to have detailed knowledge of, nor do we pass judgment on, any ongoing investigations or legal proceedings. All individuals, including Indrani Mukerjea, are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Readers are encouraged to consult official sources or verified news outlets for the most current and accurate information.
