‘I have forgotten Jassi’

Says actor Mona Singh as she talks about her initial days in the city; confesses that she asked for little but got much more in her 14-year career

Mona Singh (right) came to Mumbai from Pune and debuted on television with Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin in 2003. Fourteen years have passed since then, and Mona is thankful for how far she has come in her career. “I never planned all this. I saw myself as an actor who is famous, known and who people love. That was my ultimate dream before I came to Mumbai and now when I look back… I have forgotten Jassi, how it was, what did I do in the show, and what happened. I have moved on. I have never looked back after the show.” The hit show that was on air for three years catapulted her career to a new height. Later, she went on to do other small-screen shows such as Kya Huaa Tera Vaada, Itna Karo Na Mujhe Pyaar, Pyaar Ko Ho Jaane Do and Kavach...kaali Shaktiyon Se. Mona has also been part of the Aamir Khan-starrer 3 Idiots (2009), participated in three reality shows, and even hosted over nine reality shows. Mona says, “Mumbai has been so beautiful to me. The city has accepted me, and the people have loved and appreciated my work. I learnt so much about my craft, work, and people and the industry. It has been fabulous. I had asked for very little… I have loved each and every project I was part of.” Being a newcomer was tough for Mona, but she is glad that over these years, she has made so many friends in the city. Mona says, “I remember I had no one when I shifted to Mumbai. I only knew the producers of Jassi…, Deeya Singh and Tony Singh, and I would visit their home for lunch and dinner. Later, I made friends and got close to Rakshandha (Khan; actor) and Apu (actor Apurva Agnihotri). Now, I have so many friends to hang out with.” Not only did she feel accepted by the audience and the industry, but also sought some divine intervention. “Initially, when I was in Mumbai, people said that to gain access to the city, I have to go to Mumba Devi Temple. I went there later and thanked the Devi. My parents, too, shifted soon after to Mumbai from Pune. They never imagined they would move here. They love it here. This city is crazy and I love it. I might visit any city in the world for any amount of time but when I come back, I feel I am home,” she says.