Heroes don't matter anymore:mona article

SHE WAS the stereotypical ugly duckling whose transformation into a glamorous beauty kept telly viewers across India on the edge of their seats.

And though it was in her new and sexy image that Mona Singh made her recent appearance at the Global Village in Dubai, it was 'Jassi' that the audience had come to watch.

Winner of Sony Channel's reality dance show Jhalak Dikhla Jaa , Mona Singh has performed earlier in Dubai as part of the DSF's entertainment programme.

And as usual she was all enthusiasm personified when City Times caught up with her post her hip shaking, breath-taking performance at the Global Theatre.

"When you perform, it is important to see a good crowd and the kind of response we got at the Global Village was tremendous – to hear around 10,000 people shout out 'Jassi' was definitely a high point of the night," she exulted.

Dubai calls

Mona has been coming to Dubai for the past four years and is all praises for the place, the people and the shopping experience out here.

"I love shopping at Ibn Battuta Mall and the Mall of Emirates. I shop for everything and anything from bags and shoes, to perfumes and clothes. The fact that you can get all brands under one roof is the chief attraction," Mona explains.

A self confessed foodie, Mona says she loves the hummus and shawarma she has sampled in Dubai over her various visits.

"I hate bland food, give me something hot and spicy anyday," she avers. "When I travel outside India I like to experiment with various cuisine, though at home, chicken roast and rajma-chawal are my all time favourites."

Acting bug

On the professional front, for someone who famously proclaimed in an earlier interview that, "I will do a Bollywood film, only if Shah Rukh Khan agrees to work with me", ever since Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin ended, Mona Singh has not exactly set the screens ablaze.

When City Times spoke to her last during the DSF 2007, she had revealed her plans of working in a Bollywood film - something that does not seem to have materialised so far. "I wouldn't want to talk about it until the contract is signed," is all she is willing to reveal this time around too.

Right now she is all set to anchor Extreme Makeover, a reality show where a panel of doctors will help victims of major accidents, who cannot afford to pay for their own treatment. The series, which Mona says is a first in the history of Indian television, will air soon on Sony around March-April.

And what of her dreams of starring with SRK? "Heroes don't matter anymore. If you take movies like Johnny Gaddar and Jab We Met you realise that what you need is a strong script and talented actors along with a good director." For sure, this is one Punjabi kudi who does not believe in mincing words.

Love is in the air

While most actors stay clear of the 'boyfriend' word Mona is candid enough to confess when asked about her love life, "You all know the guy I have been linked with!"

Karan Oberoi, of course, of the Band of Boys fame. So how do the couple plan to spend Valentine's Day?

"I will be landing in India on 14th morning and shooting till evening. But definitely we will be spending the evening together."

Mona who is busy scouring the shops in Dubai for that perfect gift for her boyfriend, however, is clear that marriage is not on the cards in the near future.

"There is lots of time to settle down. I need to be seen more, to do more work before I get married."

And what is the one thing she wants from her boyfriend this Valentine? "I want him to value me more, to understand me better! I hate it that he demands so much of my time," she says.

Favourite colour: Pink and black

Favourite attire: Blue jeans and white shirt and salwars

Stage attire: The louder and more colourful, the better!

Favourite song to dance to: Billo Rani

A song she would like to dedicate to her boyfriend: If you really love a woman

The song she would like Karan Oberoi to sing for her: Gori from the Band of Boys