I remember the single happiest day of my teenage years. I came back from school and found a pink letter on my table. It was a friendship band that was sent by Jasmeet Walia, aka Jassi. At 12, I genuinely thought of Jassi [the lead in the show Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin (2003–2006)] as my friend. And there began my love for Mona Singh. Many years later, during an interview, I told her this story and she laughed. “That innocence of Jassi is something I hope we always carry with ourselves,” she’d told me.

In the past few years, everywhere we look, we see Singh. She is the tough cop in Sudeep Sharma’s Kohrra. She is a don in Vir Das’s wacky Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos. She is the hero’s warm mother in Aryan Khan’s Ba***ds Of Bollywood (2025). She is the doctor who can save the world in Netflix’s Kaala Paani (2023). She is also Sunny Deol’s bantering wife in Border 2. And she is the menacing Babli Didi, a mafia queen in Suresh Triveni’s Subedaar. It raises the same question in everyone’s mind — how is she in so many things all at once, never looking out of place in any of these diverse set ups?

The best answer I found to this, came from a late night conversation with Saurabh Khanna, writer of Yeh Meri Family (2018), and the producer of Kaala Paani (2023). He said, quite-matter-of-factly, “She is a Bachchan! Aap koi bhi film dekh lo, Bachchan sahab ki, film kaisi bhi ho, Bachchan sahab kabhi kharab nahin hotey!”

Khanna’s Yeh Meri Family is considered to be Singh’s turning point. She played a mother to three kids in ’90s small town India. What about that show made Khanna think of Singh? “When we started casting, we knew we wanted familiar faces. This wasn’t a show about big lines, big drama. It was about everyday stories. She has this unique quality that she can shine in whatever you give her. Very rarely do we get actors who take punt on fresh ideas, who don’t ask ‘mere opposite kaun hai?’”

Singh broke out with her iconic role Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin in 2003. The role itself was a risk. Television boom had seen an influx of interesting new actors but for any avid TV viewer of that era, Jassi was a revelation. An unofficial adaptation of Ugly Betty, Jassi too was the story of how a spirited young hard working woman is constantly admonished because she does not meet the traditional standards of beauty.  At its peak, the show touched a TRP of 9.2 making it among the most-watched television programs in the country. In Jassi, young women saw their own story of being reduced to just their looks.

But success, especially of that magnitude, comes with its own design to pigeonhole someone. For Singh, the shadow of Jassi wouldn’t leave so easy. For years after the show ended, the industry struggled to see her beyond the braces.

“There was a time when people only saw me as Jassi,” she has said. Breaking that image took a lot of courage from her end, which also meant fresh punts. Between 2006 (after Jassi ended) and 2009, Singh was on both Jhalak Dikkhla Jaa and 3 Idiots (2009) — her first film with Aamir Khan, trying her hand at evolving in whatever way she could. She hosted reality shows, did her work in TV but she was made for greater things and it was the advent of OTT that put the spotlight back on her craft.

But it was Khanna’s Ye Meri Family and Ekta Kapoor’s Kehne Ko Humsafar Hai (2018–2020), that was the first of her big OTT outings. In the latter, Singh plays an independent artiste in a relationship with a married man. Written by Neena Gupta, the show portrays Singh with grace.

In 2018, Singh had told mid-day, “It is a tricky part. Ekta Kapoor (the show’s producer) was very sure from the beginning that she will not project her as a vamp. She is a modern woman who happens to fall in love with a married man.” It ties in with what Khanna had told us about Singh’s choices, “Expect the unexpected from her. That’s what she is seeking.”

It’s this very tryst that took her to play Aamir Khan’s mother in Laal Singh Chaddha (2022). As Singh had once corrected me, she is Laal’s mother, defending her decision of agreeing to play a mom to a man well her senior. During his drive from Goa to Mumbai, Adavait Chandan, director of Laal Singh Chaddha, called us to chat about what makes Singh such a phenomenal actor.

“There is a scene where she is crying when Aamir’s character is graduating. Even when I was directing that scene, I had tears in my eyes. It is my favourite scene of hers. She did become Laal’s mother. I find that loyalty she has her for work and craft, her most defining quality. She is a really great person and that energy feeds every character she plays. When our film didn’t work, she held me and we cried together. She taught me so much about how resilient an actor can be.”

But co-stars remember something entirely different about Singh. It’s her big laugh, that stays with those she meets on set, and her ability to remain calm under pressure.

Co-star Aditya Rawal, who worked with her on Subedaar, tells us, “This one day we had a big shoot sequence for Subedaar. We were shooting in Chembur and had ordered for chole bhature from somewhere. And then we had this really intense scene. No matter what Mona is shooting, she has this ability to stay calm. She can switch on and off between scenes. She is seamless in front of the camera. And as someone who was working with her, that I felt is the reason why she has endured across mediums, formats,” Rawal tells us.

Aditya Sarpotdar who directed her in the hit film Munjya (2024), told us, “She has always been a very secure actor. She would always encourage the new younger talent and was very approachable for all the young actors around her.”

But no one can read you better than the one who gave you your break. Rajan Shahi, who directed Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin, says the secret to her evolution is quite simple. It’s the one virtue she has had all along in her life, “When I think of Mona, the thing that stands out is she is a selfless soul. She is a true artiste. I remember something from her pre-Jassi success days.  She was a nervous student, sitting with script, learning lines, scared before exams. Till date, she is still that nervous student wanting to do well. After the show broke out, Mona was the biggest TV star back then. I remember one day SRK was crossing our set, he and his children waved at her and she waved back. We then got a call from Yash Chopra saying Shah Rukh and his kids want to meet Mona. So many people change after success. They slow down creatively, fame corrupts them. But Mona has stayed grounded. She is humble and kind. When I watched Kohrra season two, I was so surprised that the same young girl is this fine actor today. You know why Mona jaisi koi nahin, because Mona remains unfazed by fame!”

Actor Mona Singh is in the midst of a packed release calendar, with three projects, Happy Patel Khatarnak Jasoos, Border 2 and Kohrra Season 2, arriving in the last two months.

In the second season of Kohrra, the 44-year-old essays a sub-inspector in a narrative that explores gendered power structures and entrenched patriarchy. Mona believes the themes are not far removed from reality, including within the entertainment industry.

She shares, “There’s a brotherhood romance going on in the industry, where a woman is often made to feel like the outsider,” adding that such dynamics play out across professions. “I see that in every field, it’s pretty evident everywhere. Be it male drivers feeling that ego where the boss is a woman. I see that at home, when the cook comes, they want the man to decide what is to be cooked, instead of the lady of the house telling them,” she adds.

Mona continues, “In many homes, women are not even considered for decision-making; it’s the men who take the call. They even decide even for women at times, for the most important decisions of their lives. Everything is told, she’s never asked. So that’s exactly what we are showing in our show as well. Everything is so real and raw that it hits you.”

Reflecting on portraying a cop within a male-dominated system, Mona says, “Being a woman cop, there’s a constant need to prove yourself, to prove your capabilities. There is this underestimation of physical capabilities of women.”

Actor Barun Sobti recently reprised his role in a web series (Kohrra) where he plays a cop reporting to a new commanding officer, a female superior played by actor Mona Singh. The new season of the show delves into the discomfort some men feel about working under women in positions of authority, a theme Barun believes reflects reality, including within the film industry.

He shares, “It’s evident that men have a problem with stronger women. To a certain extent, it depends on the family you’ve grown up in, but we cannot deny it. Taking orders from them is still a huge thing. Even if a woman makes a strong point in an argument, I see men getting uncomfortable.”

The first season of Kohrra marked a turning point in Barun’s career, earning him significant recognition. Reflecting on its impact, the 41-year-old says, “In terms of viewership, there are shows that people watch and then there are shows that the industry watches. What happened with Kohrra was that the industry watched the show, and that’s why I started getting more work.”

From the lovable Jassi in her debut TV show Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin, to layered characters in the OTT space, Mona Singh has come a long way. Two decades into the industry, the actress is content with where she stands and is grateful for her journey.

She says, “From Jassi to playing a cop (in the web show Mistry), starring in Made In Heaven season 2 and The Ba***ds Of Bollywood, it has been quite a journey. I didn’t know anyone when I came to Mumbai, so everything that happened feels like a bonus. I’ve always liked to challenge myself as an actor and I feel blessed that I’m getting such brilliant opportunities on OTT now. I’ve seen the evolution, and I’m a part of this change — it is very fulfilling.”

Mona believes the shift from television to digital platforms has not only benefited actors, but also audiences, who now have access to diverse stories.

“The kind of shows we watch online would never be shown on TV as there’s too much censorship and too many restrictions there. As an actor, you wouldn’t get the chance to portray such complex characters there. I’m happy people have embraced OTT. It’s a great phase for actors, writers and creators — there are so many stories to tell, so much more to do,” she says.

For Mona, the OTT format itself feels liberating. “Working three months on one web show is perfect. You get your break, you come back fresh and ready to step into a new character. OTT works best for me. Otherwise, TV has crazy timelines, especially when you are playing the protagonist. When I did TV, the shows would air from Monday to Thursday, but now, they air throughout the week. Oh my God! I wonder if these people even have a personal life,” she adds.

Mona hasn’t done a TV show in a long time and has no desire to return. “I’ve bid farewell to TV, with all due respect. There isn’t much left for me to do anything there. I think I’ve done everything — daily soaps, reality shows and hosting. This was a conscious step to move ahead. The switch wasn’t easy; I waited patiently for the kind of roles I wanted. It took time, but it was worth it. I’m doing films too — I have three coming up next year — and I’m happy to be balancing movies and OTT.”

Actor Mona Singh is still basking in the success of the web series The Ba***ds Of Bollywood. She chose the role with great care, but reveals that being selective has its own share of pros and cons. Prod further and she reveals, “I was approached for (TV show) Anupamaa years ago. But by then, I had decided that I didn’t want to continue doing TV. Hence, I denied the show.”

At that point in her career, the 44-year-old had made the conscious decision to focus on OTT projects by choosing character-driven roles, adding that she never takes up roles “just to be seen”. “For me, what matters is whether the role makes me happy and connects with me. I don’t want to regret my decisions later or carry any negative energy on set,” she explains.

The titular role eventually went to actor Rupali Ganguly, who has been portraying the character for over five years now. “I’m really happy for Rupali and (producer) Rajan Shahi. She is doing such a fabulous job, I think that role was meant for her, and she has owned it beautifully,” the actor opines.

But this approach to roles is not always easy. “It means waiting for the right project to come your way, but I’m okay with that. I don’t regret being selective,” the actor shares.

In the evolving dynamics of the industry, Mona acknowledges that social media often influences casting decisions. “We’ve all heard of instances where influencers with huge followings get cast to pull in more views,” says the actor, whose recent outing, Thode Door Thode Paas, revolves around the overuse of digital media and the much-needed digital detox. “I feel fortunate that people still value what we bring to the table as actors, not just the number of followers we have,” she ends.

A digital detox sounds like a wonderful idea to Mona Singh. While the actor has adopted the philosophy on screen in her Zee5 series, Thode Door Thode Paas — which revolves around a family going on a ‘digital fast’ — applying it off screen is a distant idea. If anything, she is advised the opposite. “My team tells me to be more active on social media. They drive me crazy, telling me, ‘This song is trending, make a reel on it,’” she laughs.

The pressure doesn’t work on Singh, who views social media as a great platform to connect with her fans. That said, she is clear that documenting every moment of her day is not her style. “I’m not an influencer. I’m an actor, and I will stick to [acting]. It feels great to connect with fans through social media. You also get to know which show is working. But I never give in to the pressure of posting or think to myself, ‘This show of mine has worked. So, let me start posting about where I am and what I’m eating’.”

Singh’ team’s advice, however, is not without reason. Actors’ social media game is increasingly becoming a criterion when it comes to their casting. “I have been fortunate enough that people don’t look at my number of followers. But I’ve heard stories that people cast you seeing your profile and the number of followers you have. If it brings [the platform] more subscriptions and more downloads, why not cast them?”

But the actor believes this won’t be a long-term practice. She reasons, “Actors are professional artistes who know their job. Influencers getting into acting is tricky. It might get the numbers that [the makers] want, but for them to get into acting completely is difficult.” 

Mona Singh will open 2026 with the big-screen outing, ‘Border 2’, which stars Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh, Varun Dhawan, and Ahan Shetty. Joining the sequel to the war drama ‘Border’ (1997) is a proud moment for Singh. “It is 100 per cent nostalgia for me. Also, being a fauji's daughter, I loved being [cast in] the film. Anurag Singh is a very sensitive director. I had loved his last directorial Kesari (2019),” she says.

Days before the release of his mystery dramedy Mistry, actor Ram Kapoor has been dropped from the series’ promotional activities. The decision was made by the top brass at JioHotstar — which will host the series — after the actor allegedly made sexually inappropriate remarks during a media interaction at J W Marriott, Juhu, on Thursday.

Multiple eyewitnesses revealed that Kapoor, while seated alongside his co-star Mona Singh and JioHotstar executives, made comments laden with sexual innuendo that left members of the team uncomfortable.

We’re told one of the instances happened between two interviews. A JioHotstar insider revealed, “The tone and content of his ‘jokes’ were unprofessional. He had back-to-back interviews that day. Referring to the work pressure at one point, he said he feels ‘gang-raped’. This remark was made while one journalist was setting up her mic.” The journalist corroborated the episode. 

In the course of the evening, Kapoor — while interacting with the JioHotstar and public relations teams — apparently made off-colour remarks about their outfits and their family. One of the executives recounted, “He looked at my colleague’s dress and referring to its length, said, ‘The clothes are distracting.’”

Another staffer said that the team was aghast at the number of offensive things he said, under the garb of humour, throughout the day. “It didn’t hit immediately, but when it did later that evening, we started recounting the number of offensive things he said. He told one of our male colleagues that his mother should have faked a headache and he shouldn’t have been born. He made references to sex positions.”

The following morning, June 20, the matter was swiftly escalated to JioHotstar’s senior leadership. Internal discussions were held with the streamer’s HR team, following which it was decided that Kapoor’s remaining promotional appearances would be cancelled and he would be distanced from the show.

An insider states, “This workplace prioritizes dignity and safety. After a complaint was formally raised and the incidents corroborated by eyewitnesses, the leadership moved promptly. The platform wants to distance itself from any behaviour that normalizes workplace misconduct. The interviews are being solely held with Mona.”

In light of the incident, internal training sessions on gender sensitivity have been apparently fast-tracked as  the platform seeks to reinforce its workplace code of conduct.

mid-day reached out to Kapoor, who did not respond till press time.

Direction is a natural progression for many screenwriters. Writer Nikhil Mehrotra, who has penned Dangal (2016), Chhichhore (2019) and Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl (2020), is now taking his place behind the camera. It has been learnt that he will make his directorial debut with a slice-of-life film led by Mona Singh.

A source close to the development reveals, “Nikhil has been toying with the idea of directing for a while. After years of writing emotionally rich stories, he felt that his latest script was personal enough to take the leap.”

Set to go on floors in May, the film will be primarily shot in suburban Mumbai. Singh, who shone in Made In Heaven 2 (2023) and Kaala Paani (2023), was reportedly Mehrotra’s first choice.

The source adds, “She instantly connected with the script and decided to kick this off after she wrapped the second season of Kohrra, and Aryan Khan’s web series.”

We reached out to Mehrotra, who didn’t respond till press time.

Barely a week after the grand announcement of his directorial debut, Aryan Khan has stepped on the campus of Whistling Woods International to shoot the final leg of his series, tentatively titled Stardom. Sources say that the first-time director has a seven-day schedule lined up in the film institute located in Goregaon, after which the unit will move to another venue for a brief period before calling it a wrap.

The show is led by Mona Singh and Lakshya. A source reveals, “On Sunday, Aryan kicked off the patch schedule, in which he will largely take some location shots and can some scenes. While Mona and the leading man were not required on Sunday, they are expected to join the shoot later this week. After the Goregaon shoot, the team will head to an office in Worli where they will film some entry scenes. Stardom, which is gearing up for an early 2025 release, is being edited simultaneously.”

Last week, as part of its 2025 slate, Netflix officially announced the project, describing it as “an entertaining ride through the adventures of a charming, ambitious outsider navigating the glitzy yet tricky world of Bollywood”. It has star-studded cameos by Ranveer Singh, Ranbir Kapoor, Karan Johar, and of course, Aryan’s superstar-father Shah Rukh Khan.

2019 and 2024

When it comes to chronicling the experiences of artistes who don’t fit the stereotypical ‘size-zero’ mould, Mona Singh appears to be a misfit. “I have always got work. [My figure] has never restricted me,” says the ebullient actor, who made her debut with the offbeat and immensely successful telly drama, Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin (2003), and subsequently forayed into films and web shows.

“I have never believed in being size zero. I have always been healthy, even a little [plump] at times. I have been fuller, but I always wanted a fitter body and to be more agile.”

It was, however, a professional requirement that brought about Singh’s recent physical transformation. Having been asked to shed seven kilos for a project, she needed to return to her fitness regimen that had been suspended after a shoulder injury.

“I approached a yoga instructor for my shoulder injury because a few friends said I’d benefit from mobility exercises. The intention to adopt yoga wasn’t to lose weight but to heal myself so that I could begin training again. But, my body reacted to it beautifully. I began shedding kilos because my trainer’s style of yoga is intense. He teaches Ashtanga yoga, which is among the toughest forms of the [discipline]. One must hold postures for about four minutes, and breathing becomes [laboured]. My body hadn’t experienced something like that before, and I loved it. When I started to meditate, I enjoyed the rhythm of yoga. Suddenly, I was 10 kilos lighter,” she says, crediting her trainer for also doubling as a nutritionist who helped her “include a lot of ghee” in her diet and taught her to “be mindful of my choice of food”. 

Acknowledging that she had “tried everything” in the book to become fitter, Singh, once a gym goer, admits that the “blaring music” at such facilities was dissuading. “I wanted quiet and peace, and [enjoy] slow mornings. Yoga offered that.” 

She is quick to add, though, that several factors helped her achieve this feat at the age of 42. “I was never mindful of what I ate. I wanted to be thinner, but never worked towards it. So, it also depends on your will. Today, the way I look has boosted my confidence. I enjoy the kind of clothes I wear for promotions, because this is something I have not experienced in several years. But, the concept of being size zero is overrated. The way I looked has never worn me down, mentally. But, I used to tell myself, I wish I could wear something else. I was fed up of seeing myself in salwar suits and ‘comfy clothes’ at all times. If you notice, that’s what I have worn in most of the shows I’ve done. Now, in my 40s, I’m reinventing myself.” 

Ask her if she manages to adhere to her diet, and she responds with a laugh, “I am very disciplined. You see, only after a lot of burns, butchery, and sweat have I been able to achieve this. I won’t take it for granted. Recently, I went on a vacation with my husband, and was very careful [with my food choices]. But, I don’t starve.” 

To the women who believe achieving such a feat in their 40s is cumbersome, Singh offers words of encouragement. “Recently, my mother underwent surgery, and I noticed that only women were there at the hospital. I asked the surgeon what was going on, and he said, ‘Mona, women don’t look after themselves.’ Women should start taking care of their health. Your body changes even [as early as] in your 30s. The worst thing that we experience is muscle loss because we don’t eat clean and exercise. Our bone density goes for a toss. It is important that we put ourselves first.”

I’ve been told to include ghee, coconut water, chaas, and dahi in my diet. Today, I am predominantly vegetarian. And, if I must, I will be a pescatarian. A lot of my protein comes from vegetables, pulses, and curd. I don’t have protein powders or supplements. I also follow a satvik diet, and eat according to seasons. I don’t eat [fruits and vegetables] that are available throughout the year because I have been told that they are not healthy. So, in the winter, I eat different kinds of saags. In the summer, I will have foods [that are cooling for the body]. I substitute wheat with ragi, and may have white or brown rice. Because I follow intermittent fasting, my first meal is lunch, and usually comprises one roti, dahi, ghee, dal, and lots of salads. In the evening, I indulge in nuts and black coffee, or may have a fruit. I have dinner early, at about 7.30 pm. If I’m shooting, I will carry a bowl of clear vegetable soup, which I mix with rice and ghee. Sometimes, I carry cottage cheese—one that is high in protein content—or may take a piece of salmon with me. As for supplements, I take a pill of ashwagandha. I also take magnesium and Omega 3 and 6. And, I use krill oil.

Look at the past year and Mona Singh’s choice of projects has been impressive, from Made In Heaven 2 (2023) to Kaala Paani (2023), from Munjya to an upcoming Aamir Khan production. Now, the actor has added another acclaimed project to her résumé. Sources tell us that Singh has joined the second season of Kohrra, created by Sudip Sharma.

The Netflix crime thriller, starring Suvinder Vicky, Barun Sobti and Harleen Sethi, opened to rave reviews last year. Sharma, who had co-written the first season while Randeep Jha took on directorial duties, began filming the second edition last month.

A source reveals, “Mona is the latest addition to the second season, which is being shot in Punjab. The team is excited to have an actor of her calibre on board, and her fluency in Punjabi makes her the perfect fit. Mona too is thrilled to work with Sudip, who is known to create rich and complex characters.”

The details around Singh’s character have been kept under wraps.

It has been learnt that Singh and Sobti are part of the ongoing schedule. “It’s unclear whether Suvinder, who was Kohrra’s breakout star, is also part of the second season. The makers are taking the story forward with a fresh case,” adds the insider.

It’s a hat-trick for Mona Singh. For her next theatrical release, the actor reunites with superstar Aamir Khan for the third time after the 2013 campus comedy 3 Idiots and Laal Singh Chaddha (2022). Sources inform that unlike her previous outings, Khan is only involved as a producer this time around. The yet-untitled film is slated to release during Diwali.

“Mona has just wrapped up the film’s shoot. She has a wonderful relationship with Aamir Khan Productions and is excited to work with them for the third time,” says the source.

The film is another comedy adventure in the actor’s filmography, following the success of her last theatrical release, the horror comedy Munjya. While details about the project that will see Singh as a gangster are being kept under wraps, an insider informs, “The comedy adventure will take the audience back to Delhi Belly [2011] days.”

This won’t be the first time Singh plays a gangster on screen. She will also portray the character in her upcoming series, Paan Parda Zarda, which is set against the backdrop of illegal opium smuggling. In an earlier conversation, the actor had emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between OTT and film releases and how she practiced it.

“It’s not easy, but it is great that we have been able to maintain the balance between OTT and theatricals. I am glad to be a part of this beautiful change in the industry,” she said.

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.

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.

 

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.

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. 

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

The ongoing clash between paparazzi and celebrities escalates as the latter express concerns over photographers making female celebs uncomfortable. Actors Mona Singh and Neha Sharma have joined the chorus, highlighting the inappropriate focus on women’s bodies and the anticipation of wardrobe malfunctions.

“They keep focusing on women’s bodies inappropriately. Will they do this to a man by zooming into their crotch when they’re walking? No, they won’t. But they do that to every woman. It’s really not cool,” Singh, in an interview to News18, said, and added, “It’s almost like they wait far some faux pas to happen.”

Sharma, on the other hand, told India Today, “Dikhna zaroori hai aaj ke time pe. As for the angles, it does get distasteful. As a woman, you also lose your freedom to dress the way you want to. When you are in the public eye, you do have to be careful as sometimes things go out of line.”

Last year, it was reported that actor Shah Rukh Khan’s son, Aryan Khan’s directorial debut outing, Stardom, features Mona Singh in a significant role. Now, we have learnt that the actor is currently shooting for the web series in Goa. A source says, “The Goa schedule is a long one. Earlier, she shot for the project in Mumbai and Delhi. The details about her role are not known yet.”

Talking about the kind of director Aryan is on set, the insider adds, “He is overlooking things to ensure nothing from the set leaks online. He is known for explaining the scenes well, hence the cast finds it very easy to work with him. His vision is very clear.”

Stardom is said to have six episodes and actors Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Bobby Deol and SRK, and filmmaker Karan Johar, are likely to have cameos in it. Set against the backdrop of the film industry, Aryan has written the script.

We reached out to Mona for a comment, but were not met with a response till the time of going to press.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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

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.

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.