Introduction: Who is Manu Sharma aka Siddharth Vashisht?
Manu Sharma, whose is also known as Siddharth Vashisht, is a well-known figure in India for controversial reasons. He was once at the center of the high-profile Jessica Lal murder case, which shocked the nation. Today, he has resurfaced in a very different role as an entrepreneur in India’s growing liquor business. He now leads the premium whisky brand Indri-Trini, making his journey from a convicted criminal to a business owner one filled with ambition, second chances, and intense public attention.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Siddharth Vashisht (Known as Manu Sharma) |
| Date of Birth | 1977 |
| Place of Birth | Ambala, Haryana, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, Liquor Industry Businessman |
| Famous For | Conviction in Jessica Lal murder case; Owner of Indri-Trini whisky |
| Father | Venod Sharma (Former Politician and Businessman) |
| Mother | Name not publicly known |
| Brother | Kartikeya Sharma (Media Baron, Owner of iTV Network) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Preity Sharma (Married in 2015) |
| Children | Not publicly disclosed |
| Current Residence | Likely between Chandigarh and Delhi |
| Business | Piccadily Distilleries (Indri-Trini Whisky Brand) |
| Net Worth (Estimate) | Estimated in multiple crores INR (exact figures not publicly disclosed) |
| Known Alias | Siddharth Vashisht |
Early Life and Background
Born into political and industrial aristocracy, Manu Sharma was raised in a privileged household. His father, Venod Sharma, was a prominent politician associated with the Indian National Congress and later with the Haryana Janhit Congress. The family has deep roots in both politics and business, owning multiple sugar mills and real estate assets across Haryana and Punjab.
Manu’s early life was marked by affluence, influence, and opportunity. He received his education in Chandigarh and Delhi, and was known to be part of Delhi’s elite youth circles in the 1990s.
The Jessica Lal Case (1999)
In 1999, Manu Sharma became a household name in India, but for all the wrong reasons. At a high-society party in Delhi, Sharma fatally shot model and TV personality Jessica Lal when she refused to serve him alcohol at a private event. The case sparked nationwide outrage, especially after he was initially acquitted due to lack of evidence.
However, the public outcry fueled by media campaigns and candlelight vigils led to a retrial, and in 2006, Sharma was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Life in Prison and Reform
While incarcerated in Tihar Jail, Sharma was reportedly active in various reformative programs. He pursued higher education and was involved in welfare activities, including setting up a non-profit called the “Siddhartha Vashishta Charitable Trust”, which aimed to assist the children of prisoners. His behavior in prison was often described as exemplary by jail authorities.
After serving over 14 years of his life sentence, Sharma was released in June 2020 on grounds of good conduct. His release was not without controversy, but it was legally sanctioned as part of Delhi’s policy on sentence remission.
Entry into the Whisky Industry: The Indri-Trini Brand
Post-release, Manu Sharma stepped into the liquor business, leveraging his family’s industrial base. He became associated with Piccadilly Distilleries, a company with long-standing assets in sugar production and distillation. The family owns distilleries in Indri (Haryana) and Patran (Punjab), key manufacturing hubs for their liquor operations.
In 2021, Sharma launched “Indri-Trini”, a triple cask single malt whisky under the brand Indri, named after the town where the distillery is located. The whisky was marketed as India’s first triple-cask single malt, matured in ex-bourbon, French wine, and PX sherry casks. Indri-Trini quickly gained traction in both domestic and international markets for its bold flavor profile and high-quality aging process.
Under Sharma’s leadership, the brand has positioned itself as a premium Indian whisky, targeting the same segment dominated by global brands like Glenfiddich and Amrut.
Controversy and Global Expansion
In 2024, Sharma’s business again made headlines when he was revealed to be the financial backer behind a proposed Scotch whisky distillery in Argyll, Scotland. Local residents and media questioned the ethical implications of a convicted murderer investing in Scotland’s proud whisky heritage. Though the project hasn’t been officially canceled, it is under review.
This revelation reignited debates in India and abroad about rehabilitation vs. accountability can a man with a violent past truly earn a second chance if he contributes to society through legitimate means?
Family and Personal Life
Manu Sharma belongs to a politically powerful and business-savvy family:
- Father: Venod Sharma, former Union Minister and Haryana politician.
- Mother: Housewife, largely away from the public eye.
- Brother: Kartikeya Sharma, founder of iTV Network (India News, NewsX), and owner of multiple media and sports properties.
Personal Life
In April 2015, while still incarcerated, Sharma married Preity Sharma, a Mumbai-based model. The couple’s marriage was registered at the UT registrar’s office. Details about their personal life remain private, and they have maintained a low profile since Sharma’s release.
| Relation | Name / Description |
| Father | Venod Sharma – Former politician and businessman |
| Mother | Name not publicly disclosed |
| Brother | Kartikeya Sharma – Media entrepreneur, owner of iTV Network |
| Wife | Preity Sharma – Married in 2015 while Manu Sharma was in prison |
| Children | Not publicly known or disclosed |
Social Media Presence
Manu Sharma maintains a low profile on social media platforms. There are no verified accounts attributed to him, and he does not engage publicly through these channels.
Physical Appearance of Manu Sharma
| Attribute | Details |
| Height | Approx. 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Build | Average |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Complexion | Wheatish (based on public images) |
Interesting Facts
- Indri-Trini is the first Indian single malt aged in three types of casks.
- While in Tihar Jail, Manu Sharma earned a postgraduate degree and started a charity for children of inmates.
- His whisky is available in international markets including the US, UK, and Australia.
- He was acquitted in the Jessica Lal case in the trial court but was later convicted in a retrial by the Delhi High Court.
- His family’s distillery is one of India’s largest grain-to-glass whisky makers.
FAQs About Manu Sharma
1. Who is Manu Sharma?
Manu Sharma is an Indian businessman, known for owning the Indri whisky brand and for his past conviction in the Jessica Lal case.
2. What is Indri-Trini whisky?
Indri-Trini is a premium Indian single malt whisky, matured in three different casks, ex-bourbon, French wine, and PX sherry.
3. Was he released early from jail?
Yes, he was released in June 2020 after serving over 14 years, citing good behavior.
4. What does he do now?
He runs Piccadilly Distilleries and manages the Indri-Trini whisky brand, among other business ventures.
5. Is he still involved in politics?
No, Manu Sharma has not returned to politics. His family remains influential in both politics and business, but he focuses on entrepreneurial efforts.
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