Q: How long have you been living in Mulund?
A: It's about eight months now. However, I wasn't here all the time. I had even been to Punjab sometime back.
Q: It's just after Bigg Boss 2, people came to know that you reside at Mulund. Were you on a self-imposed hibernation?
A: Not actually. After the negative image of mine that was created by the media and all the trauma that I underwent, I decided to keep a low profile.
Q: Okay, so after that 'negative image', was it difficult for you to get a flat here?
A: Not at all; the people here are very friendly and helpful - unlike in areas like Lokhandwala and Juhu where people were scared to rent me a place. This was not the case in Mulund.
Q: How is Mulund as a place to live in?
A: Mulund is a very nice place with lots of greenery around. Also, the people here are very good and co-operative. It is really a pleasant experience living in this part of the city.
Q: But there are reports that you will be shifting to Andheri soon
A: Yes, I will be shifting very soon from here. But that's purely due to professional reasons. Many of my friends from the industry and also those who are not associated with the industry live there. Moreover, all my meetings take place in Andheri or in Juhu. So travelling every day all the way from this part of the city is quite a task.
Q: Let's talk a bit about Bigg Boss 2. How far is it correct that the show gave you the much-needed image makeover?
A: Frankly speaking, I did go to Bigg Boss 2 just for an image makeover. After all that I went through in life, I just wanted to be myself. People had notions that Monica was a bad girl and I couldn't catch hold of everyone and explain that I was not what was being portrayed by the various sections of the media. Also, I wasn't comfortable speaking about my past. Furthermore, when you speak to a journalist, you really can't tell about yourself in an hour or so' That's when God saw what I am going through; he provided me with an opportunity in the form of Bigg Boss 2.
Q: So now do you think you have achieved what you wanted to achieve?
A: Of course; I didn't know that in just three weeks people would change their views about me. Actually I never expected such a response. I was very much surprised. People aren't scared of me anymore and also they are good to me. Also, I am getting several offers and the most important of all is that there is no Abu Salem ka thappa on me any more. I would really like to thank the media as it has helped me a lot to clear my image recently.
Q: Okay, so what was on your mind when you were about to step inside Bigg Boss's house and how did it feel when you were about to step out?
A: I really enjoyed while I was entering the house as it was a grand entry. After a long gap of about eight years I performed on-stage and faced the camera. As many people don't know that dancing was my passion, I performed before entering the house. It was a very nice feeling as I was finally back to work and doing what I enjoyed doing the most.
But when I was stepping out, I was mentally prepared. I didn't know what's happening outside and was sceptical about my success in doing what I had wanted to, by living there. Also, I was prepared for eviction as I knew that after Rakhi being evicted and Rahul being nominated twice, it could be my turn to leave the house.
Q: During your stay in Bigg Boss's house, you became good friends with Rahul Mahajan and Sanjay Nirupam. Also, you stated recently that you wanted to join politics. So which party would it be ' the BJP or the Congress?Q: So apart from joining politics, what are your future plans?
A: Now that work has started coming in, I want to concentrate on my career. I want to forget the past and move ahead in life. I have nothing to do with that man (Abu Salem). After the media linked me with him, I had suffered a lot. My life and my career suffered a major setback and I had gone through the kind of stress and trauma that no one could even imagine. So now that every thing seems fine, I just want to concentrate on my work.
Q: If given a chance, would you like to go to the Bigg Boss's house again?
A: Well, there are lots of talks around. People have sent messages to Endemol, the production house, asking to bring me back. I'm overwhelmed by the love and affection that people have shown towards me. Also, I have a three-month contract with the production house and if they want, then I'll surely go back. However, watching all the politics and gossips happening in the house, I am a bit scared now.
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