Mona's Home

Popularly known as Jassi, actor Mona Singh managed to break through and establish her own identity by winning television's highly acclaimed dance show Jhalak Dhikla Jaa. But the down-to-earth, girl-next-door image still lingers since that's what Mona really is.

A designer nameplate in metal on glass and a small Ganesha idol at the top welcomes you to this two-bedroom apartment on the ninth floor in suburban Mumbai and stand testimony to her simple image. Though earlier planned as a lounge area, the attached terrace is now being converted into a sit-out with a rock garden and casual seating.

Designer Surendra Narvekar and Mona's mother Rani Singh, who is also a qualified interior designer have been responsible for the interiors where white sets the tone for a relaxing and inviting space. "I didn't want clutter," says the actor; hence, straight lines and white sofas in the spacious drawing room do make a statement. One notices two quaint low cane chairs from Assam and the four-seater dining table in earthy black veneer at the very outset. The dining chairs fit snugly under the table when not in use thereby creating enough walking space. Crystal and Mona's favourite blue and pink candlestands from Spain occupy pride of place on the dining table. A print of Picasso hangs on the wall above the table. It's a known fact that Mona is very fond of solitaires which reflects on the ceiling that holds a unique chandelier with diamond-like crystals - Mona's choice, of course!

They have not observed Feng Shui or Vaastu as Rani follows the tenets of Golden Temple. "We believe in the principles of Golden Temple which has all the four sides open. You can enter and go out from any door. God never distinguished in directions and neither do we."

The seating area holds two white sofas facing each other and a tall glass semi-circular cabinet in the corner showcasing the innumerable awards and plaques won by Mona for her various achievements. The only colours evident are blue and green cushions on the sofas and cane chairs besides the blue sheers draping the windows. The extended balcony portion is framed in dark wood with white and blue sheers. A photograph of Mona and her dance trainer Toby in a salsa pose adorns the wall here.
Both the bedrooms are to the other end of the house. Mona's however, can be accessed through the kitchen. The kitchen is airy, well-maintained, spic-n-span with L-shaped workstation. Neat cabinets and counters hold the regular kitchen paraphernalia.

Her parent's bedroom is shared by their elder daughter's four-year-old son. That explains the soft toys, tricycle and other kid stuff which the room accommodates, besides the double bed and dresser. The striking thing about Mona's room is the red satin cover on the floating double bed with mahagony veneer and her steel-framed photograph on the wall. The wardrobe has translucent glass doors with overhead storage cabinets. A wooden table has steel toes and the steel continues on the bed's backrest as well. The wall at the foot of the bed is clad with a veneer wall unit that holds a plasma screen and a DVD player. The dressing area completes the picture here.
Her home exudes peace, calm and warmth that the actor seeks after her grueling shooting schedules or travelling abroad for shows!