Showing posts with label Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin. Show all posts
When Dhaakad Beera makers approached me, I asked if they were sure they had called the right person-Rakshanda Khan
8:12 AM
Hasti Doshi (BOMBAY TIMES; October 18, 2025)
Rakshanda Khan, known for her roles in television hits like Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin, Kasamh Se and Naagin, has often portrayed sophisticated, urban characters. In her latest project Dhaakad Beera, she steps away from that familiar image to play a character rooted in a rural setting.
She says, “My character Mallika in Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin was quite glamorous. Tanya in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi was an America-returned woman. Most of my roles have been urban with an element of glamour. Even in Naagin, Sumitra was a housewife who later turned into a naagin — there was always some drama and style involved. But now I’m playing something very different. Dhaakad Beera is set in a village.”
On why she took up the role, she adds, “This was the first time I was offered a character without any glamour, and the makers were clear about that. When they approached me, I even asked if they were sure they had called the right person — I thought it was a mistake. But they wanted to test me for the role. I went for the narration, and the part was well written. She’s one of the main characters in the show. Initially, I wasn’t sure, but it’s worked out well.”
Looking back on her career of over two decades, Rakshanda says she never planned to become an actor. “I didn’t set out to act, and I didn’t have any other plans either. Modelling and acting just happened, and I went along with it. Even now, I tend to go with the flow. The things I say no to often end up happening anyway,” she says.
Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin sequel should be made for OTT-Mona Singh
8:30 AM
Set to play a gangster in her next, Mona Singh on challenging stereotypes with her character choices
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; June 25, 2024)
In her 21st year in the industry, Mona Singh is enjoying herself the most, and she has OTT to thank for it. Having played two diverse characters in her last two shows—Made In Heaven 2 and Kaala Paani—and gearing up for six more series, the actor is happy the digital medium has embraced her. In a chat, she reflects on building her TV career on unconventional choices, maintaining balance between OTT and movies, and choosing characters that effect change for women. Edited excerpts from the interview.
The last two years have been a game changer for you—from Laal Singh Chaddha (2022) to Made In Heaven 2, Kaala Paani and now Munjya. Your talent is finally meeting diverse opportunities.
I feel that way too. The narratives have changed for women, where we have more to do now. We don’t have just one or two shades, but 50 shades to portray! I have found more success, recognition and satisfaction as an actor in this phase of my career because of OTT. These kinds of stories wouldn’t have been made on TV or on the big screen. I feel happy and grateful to be a part of this industry during this change. Also, maintaining a balance between films and OTT is not easy. It’s great that I have been able to do it.
Many actors are unable to transition to other mediums because they establish a strong image on TV. Do you think being selective about your projects kept you away from stereotyping and made it easier to bag work in other mediums?
There was nobody to guide me. I had no one taking me under their wing. So, right from Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin, I understood that I had different views and beliefs. After Jassi, I took a break from daily soaps because I knew if I jumped right into another, everything would be compared to my first show. I have been conscious about the kind of roles I choose, the people I work with and the breaks I take because you have to maintain your exclusivity. You cannot be overexposed. Today, wherever I stand, it’s because of my choices.
While you refused fiction shows after Jassi, your peers went on to do many more shows and became small-screen stars. Weren’t you worried that not doing a daily soap would make people forget you, or lead to less work?
When I did Jassi, I was 22. But I took my own decisions. Acting is the only profession where you don’t know what’s happening tomorrow. You don’t know which show you may be offered. I took my chances. There were actors switching from one set to another, but I didn’t want to do that because I knew I was here for the long haul. I didn’t want to burn out too soon. I wanted to stay relevant and adapt to different mediums. So, I had to take some tough calls and refuse shows that I didn’t want to do. I never succumbed, and because of that, I am still around.
Starting with your unconventional heroine, you made refreshing choices not only on screen, but also off it. Were there instances where you were told to be a certain way because you are a female actor?
I come from a home where my parents never told me what to do. The only condition that my parents had was that I finish my graduation. They have never told me to be a certain way just because I’m a woman. Yes, relatives would have an opinion on it. They told my parents, ‘Oh! Your daughter wants to be an actor? She might bring shame to your family.’ But my parents paid no heed. They gave me wings to fly. Kids do well when their parents let them be. In a household, where parents have too many restrictions, kids become the best liars.
Jassi empowered many girls and that is something I try to do with every character I play. My thought process while choosing a character is that it should inspire women, change and impact society in a positive way. As women, we’re always told how to be, what to eat, whom to marry, where not to go and I’ve never given in to that.
Are you playing any unconventional role soon?
I have five-six shows coming up. I’m playing a gangster in Pan Parda Zarda, which also features Tanvi Azmi, Tanya Maniktala and Priyanshu Painyuli. That character is completely grey. There’s a mad movie that I have done, which will release by the year-end or next year.
Have you ever discussed a Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin sequel?
We used to discuss the possibility of a sequel, but then everybody got busy with their lives. I feel it should be made for OTT.
Somebody commented ‘Aap toh lady SRK nikle’ as Shah Rukh Khan also had 3 releases this year-Mona Singh
8:03 AM
With three hit projects to her credit this year, the actor talks about the unexpected high and becoming a Gen Z fave
Navya Kharbanda (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 23, 2023)
With web projects such as Made In Heaven 2, Kaala Paani and Kafas to her credit, 2023 has been a great year for Mona Singh. The actor, who is overjoyed with the kind of appreciation that came her way, tells us, “I got a compliment on Instagram: ‘Aap toh lady SRK nikle’, because he (actor Shah Rukh Khan) also had three releases this year. Secondly, I lost 12 kg and revamped my wardrobe and style. Bulbul Jauhari (her character in Made in Heaven) was a highlight for me this year. I’m being invited to so many round tables now.”
The 42-year-old continues, “All this (praise) is new to me. The entire industry was reaching out to congratulate me. I am grateful for 2023; I experienced this high exactly after 20 years. I saw this kind of madness in 2003 (referring to the fame she earned for her debut TV show Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin).”
All set for a thrilling “2024 as there is a great lineup of shoots and releases”, the actor admits that OTT has turned things around for her.
She explains, “Earlier, only mothers and grandmothers would say, ‘We love you’. But now, I’m getting all the love from Gen Z as well. That’s the power of OTT. It is the only platform that can tell all these bold and beautiful stories. Every actor is shooting for OTT now, whether they are from film, TV or theatre.”
The actor never anticipated a successful 2023. “All the work that I have done this year was because of Laal Singh Chaddha (2022). Next year, I have six releases lined up and they are all because of how [my role] Bulbul was received,” Singh ends.
When I froze my eggs, I wasn’t sure if I would get married-Mona Singh
8:51 AM
Tanvi Trivedi (BOMBAY TIMES; December 15, 2023)
Mona Singh, who came into the limelight as Jassi in Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin (2003-2006), has completed 20 years in showbiz. She has moved on from television today and is happy to explore other mediums. In a chat, she talks about her transition to OTT and films and how life has changed post marriage. The actress, who has been part of shows like Made In Heaven and Kaala Paani, shares how she is enjoying this phase in her life. Excerpts:
TV actors often complain about a bias against them when it comes to casting them in films. Have you had any such experience?
For me, the transition was smooth. It is because I reinvented myself and pushed the envelope, unlike some actors who carried the baggage of their hit shows and took a long time to do something else. I agree that it is important to not get as exposed as TV actors do. Every single day, a TV actor is seen on the screen, so if you aspire to try another medium, it is important to take a break and start afresh.
On the personal front, how much has life changed after marriage?
Life after marriage is good, but one has to work on it every single day. Shyam (Rajagopalan) and I try to be in sync with each other. The best part about marriage is that I have a coffee partner, travel partner, binge-show-watching partner, late-night-drives partner and eating-out partner 24/7. Shyam and I are both creative people and we love discussing work.
You chose to freeze your eggs a few years ago. Are you looking at starting a family anytime soon?
I was whole and complete with the way I was and never felt the need to have a man in my life. But I met Shyam and fell in love with him. He is a great guy and does not expect me to change in any way. I am glad I married a bit late because I understand life and relationships better now. If I had married in my 20s, I would not have been the woman I am today. About kids, when I froze my eggs, I did not know I would ever get married. Now that I am married, I don’t know when I will have kids. It will happen whenever we both are ready.
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Mona made her debut with 3 Idiots (2009), but didn't do too many movies soon after that. However, in recent years, things have changed for her. She says, "After 3 Idiots, there were many offers to play sister's roles in films, but I rejected them and decided to wait, and that paid off. Now, I have many interesting releases coming up. It has been 20 years in showbiz and a beautiful journey. Web happened organically and I am thankful for the kind of content on OTT. In TV shows, there are just two roles - a protagonist or a vamp. And if you are doing other roles, there is a possibility of getting lost. But on the web, we are telling interesting stories and women characters have a lot to do. In films, too, the narrative is changing. The actress is no longer the damsel-in-distress."
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After Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin ended, I made a conscious decision to stay away from daily soaps. I wanted to shed that image, so I only participated in non-fiction shows for a while
I don’t have the patience to play one character for years anymore-Mona Singh
8:37 AM
Navya Kharbanda (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 19, 2023)
Actor Mona Singh took a step back from the small screen in 2016 after her stint in the daily soap Kavach... Kaali Shaktiyon Se. As someone who has worked in all mediums — films, TV and the web — she believes mixing things up is the “only way for actors to stay relevant”.
“I am spoilt for choice on OTT,” says Singh, who starred in the recent show Made In Heaven 2. She adds, “When you say yes to a show on OTT, you invest a few months and then, you move on to the next [project]. But, that doesn’t happen on TV. I don’t have the patience to play one character for years anymore.”
Citing the example of her hit TV soap Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin, the 41-year-old adds, “When it ended, I knew I couldn’t jump into another daily soap immediately as everything would be compared to Jassi. So, I opted for hosting and participating in reality shows — not just to break free from the image of Jassi, but also to let people know that this is also something I can do.”
In 2018, she made her OTT debut with Yeh Meri Family and there has been no looking back since.
“I am getting greedy as an actor, mujhe sab kuch karna hai. I want to play a grey [character], a cop, star in a biopic and many other things. OTT has opened so many doors for actors like me. Ek nahin, mere 1,000 dream roles hain,” wraps up Singh, who has five releases lined up.
MIH 2 controversy uncalled for?
The actor played a pivotal part in Made in Heaven 2, which recently faced plagiarism allegations, among other claims. However, Singh feels it was “not at all needed”. “When such big people are making a show and even writing it, they will obviously make sure nothing is plagiarized. I find these controversies really bizarre,” she adds.
People said they shouldn’t have listened to banning rumours and should have watched Laal Singh Chaddha in cinemas-Mona Singh
9:29 AM
Actor Mona Singh says viewers appreciated Laal Singh Chaddha, her last outing, after it arrived on OTT — and that for her is a ‘win’
Ruchi Kaushal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 27, 2023)
Mona Singh is always on the lookout for challenging roles — and one look at the actor’s filmography would reflect just that. Last seen on the big screen in Laal Singh Chaddha (2022), where she played actor Aamir Khan’s mother, Singh feels such roles “rarely happen in a lifetime”.
“In the film, I aged from 18 to 60 and this [range] was the reason I agreed to do it,” she says, adding that she wasn’t worried about being typecast as a mother.
Singh elaborates, “I am never scared of things like, ‘Acha ab ise maa ke roles ke liye hi lenge’. I have been very choosy and particular about the roles I say yes to. My first show, Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin, was the most challenging project as I didn’t look the way I acted... I have been spoiled rotten for choices in this industry, to only do my best.”
Ask the 41-year-old how she dealt with the setback of Laal Singh Chaddha not getting the desired response at the box office, and Singh says she prefers to look at the bright side of things. “Yes, the movie didn’t do well at the box office at all. But when it came on an OTT platform, people started appreciating it and said they shouldn’t have listened to all the banning rumours and should have gone to the theatres to watch it. For me, that in itself is quite a win,” says Singh, who plays actor Sharman Joshi’s onscreen wife in her latest web outing Kafas.
Given that her latest show touches upon the existence of casting couch in the film industry, the actor considers herself fortunate to have never been at the receiving end of the practice. “I have always worked with good, simple people... If one ever finds themselves in such a situation (facing casting couch), there is always the choice to say no. There’s always the choice to back off,” she asserts.
All the shows and actors on TV look the same to me-Mona Singh
8:03 AM
Farzana Patowari (BOMBAY TIMES; June 10, 2021)
On the personal front, she tied the knot in December 2019 with Shyam Rajagopalan. Mona says that she is yet to go on her honeymoon. She adds, “A couple of months after we got married, the Coronavirus pandemic struck and then came the lockdown. We haven’t been able to go for our honeymoon yet, but that can wait, I want the world to heal first.”
Mona has kept a low profile post her marriage, but she is content and glad that they got to spend a lot of time together over the past year-and-a-half. So, where did they first meet? “We met at a common friend’s birthday party. Then we met again when the same friend was getting married. Every time we met, it was because of her. Eventually, he got my number from her, thankfully! And the rest is history,” she says.
Recalling the time when they were initially dating, Mona shares, “When we met for the second time, I remember he said I was such a down-to-earth person just like Jassi (her character from the popular show Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin). So, I was like, ‘Hain!’ And then I thought to myself, yes, maybe that is the case!”
While many thought that Mona’s husband is a banker, she clarifies, “When I got married, this news spread that he is a banker, but he isn’t. He is from the entertainment industry. He’s a producer and directs advertisements.”
On the work front, while the actress has been a part of OTT shows, she hasn’t been seen in a daily soap for sometime now. Ask her the reason, and she says, “A television serial takes a lot of time; one cannot do or explore anything else when you are shooting for a show. Also, I don’t find anything on television interesting enough these days to watch. So, if I am not watching it, why will I be a part of it? All the shows and actors on TV look the same to me.”
Talking about how the crime genre has always intrigued her and the reason she decided to take up Mauka-E-Vardaat, she says, “I have done comedy, dance and talent shows, but I have never been a part of any crime show before. So, I decided to take it up because this is one genre that has always intrigued me.”
If I don’t know what focaccia is, I will not pretend [to know it]; I will ask-Gaurav Gera
8:13 AM
From picking up the word ‘culinary’ to learning new dishes, actor-comedian Gaurav Gera says hosting Chef vs Fridge has been a novel experience
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; April 20, 2021)
It wasn’t the lack of opportunities that pushed him to create his own content. Instead, it was Gaurav Gera’s desire to keep the creative juices flowing that led to the creation of several quirky characters — from Chutki to Shopkeeper to Billi Maasi. Now, after almost a two-year hiatus, the actor-comedian is back on the idiot box with Zee Café’s Chef vs Fridge. In a candid chat with mid-day, he discusses how he learnt new dishes through the cooking show, and how his viral videos have helped him stay relevant.
Edited excerpts from the interview.
Will any of your popular characters make an appearance on Chef vs Fridge?
There will be references to [Chutki and her brother Chutku] by way of voices, but they won’t [appear] on the show. [We avoided mixing the two worlds] because it didn’t seem like a requirement for the show. It is about cooking and the contestants, not about the host.
What is your relationship with food?
I am a basic vegetarian cook. A lot of it is self-learned, and I figured out some dishes after calling up my mother and a close friend. During the initial lockdown, I tried experimenting with food. Now, I have a domestic help who cooks beautifully. So, I don’t venture much into the kitchen. I believe cooking is an art that needs to be appreciated. Eating without a word of praise is simply wrong.
What makes you a good fit for the culinary show?
I am like any aam aadmi with a middle-class thought process. If I don’t know what focaccia is, I will not pretend [to know it]; I will ask. I learned a lot from this show. I was exposed to some fancy dishes, ingredients, and terminology, like ‘gastronomical’. I found it difficult to say ‘culinary’ and kept asking why we can’t just call it cooking.
You’ve been in the industry for long. How did you manage to stay relevant?
I embraced technology and stayed updated with all the new apps. I learned editing long ago, after viewing hours of tutorials. You must make an effort, and stay updated about new technology [pertaining to your field].
Did the need to create your own characters arise from the lack of interesting roles?
During Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin, I would tell my producer that besides playing Nandu, I want to play the guard in the background even if I didn’t have lines. I always had the desire to play multiple characters; one is not enough. I enjoy becoming someone else completely. If I am playing an old man, I want to alter my body language, voice, and mannerisms to mimic that. This isn’t possible when you are doing a fiction show. I am not blaming [the makers]. So, I pushed my boundaries and made videos to launch myself.
Is it difficult to monetize such content?
I believe in doing the work; money will eventually follow. I have been able to survive without fiction shows or films. I generate revenue from [my videos]. That is why I am choosy about my projects and rarely indulge in too many things at the same time. I take up work that can be shot in a start-to-finish schedule. If this show needed me to dedicate two years, I wouldn’t have [come on board].
Mona Singh would like a Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin re-run
8:16 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 14, 2020)
With so many old shows such as Ramayan and Mahabharat making a comeback on Indian television due to Coronavirus outbreak, there’s a buzz about Mona Singh’s Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin (JJKN) making a comeback too.
“I have not heard any such news, but what I did experience was a lot of people writing to me on social media that I should speak to channel heads and tell them to re-run the show. It’s the perfect time for it to re-run,” says the 38-year-old actor, adding that it was the absence of unnecessary dragging that made old shows better.
“We never changed our story according to the ratings we got. Now what happens is, if they call me for a cameo and my track works, they will then start my track. This is something not very well-planned. That never happened with Jassi. Every heroine in shows today looks the same, either she’s crying or angry,” Singh says.
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