Mona is enjoying herself:article

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Mona Singh (TOI Photo) More pics

"I can't see myself turn 40 within three episodes"


You seem to be enjoying yourself very much on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa...

I'm loving the entire journey of Jhalak. I'm on high each time I reach the sets. The best part is that there is no script in the green room. I just have to keep track of what's happening on the stage and accordingly talk about it. It's spontaneous and I have to be very attentive throughout.

You have to crack jokes as well. Does the humour come naturally to you?

I think that's me. I'm always laughing and joking. That's how I talk normally. You'll never find me very serious.

You did receive flak initially for your anchoring...

Flak only came through the press. The kind of mails I got from my fans was very heartening. They say they love what I do. It was only in papers that I found criticism. I've been getting so many smses appreciating my work after every episode that it almost feels like I'm a contestant. Some people even tell me we wish we could SMS for you.

Initially you were not supposed to do the show...

I was told by the channel that since I was already anchoring another reality show Extreme Makeover that was also to start around the same time as Jhalak, I would not be anchoring Jhalak. I was in Delhi shooting for Extreme Makeover and had no clue what was happening in Jhalak. When I returned to Mumbai I was told to get ready to host it because the channel wanted the winner of the last season to anchor it.

Were you nervous?

Yes, I was nervous. I didn't know how to host a show, what to do. I got a channel brief saying that the audiences had never seen me host a show before, so I should just be myself and freak out. There was no need to be formal in the green room. I remember I'd keep asking Mini (Mathur) how to go about it and she too would tell me just be yourself and chill.

Shveta Salve was supposed to do the show before you. Did the two of you speak about this?
l No, we've never spoken about this. In fact I'd read in the papers that she was supposed to host Jhalak.

What has happened to Extreme Makeover?

I don't know it's the channel's decision. I don't think it's coming on air very soon.

Why haven't you acted in a serial after Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin?

I think there can't be a better show than Jassi. I don't want to do the regular saas bahu saga. I can't see myself doing that. I can't see myself playing a 40-year-old within three episodes. I have been offered a couple of daily soaps but nothing very interesting. Audiences want me to do something different like Jassi. They tell me they don't want to see me as a saas or a bahu, but in a different character. I want to make the right choice. I definitely don't want to go wrong.

On the personal front, any plans of an engagement soon with boyfriend Karan Oberoi?

No not so soon.