Bye Mona and Apurva

Finally, Mona Singh aka Jasmeet Walia urf Jassi aka Jessica aka Neha Sharma can breathe easy. Deeya and Tony Singh s magnum opus, Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin about the story of a plain Jane-turned-beautiful swan is coming to an end on May 4.

Jassi, the very name conjures up several images-of a young girl with large spectacles, a toothy smile in braces, a girl in badly styled hair & clothes, a girl fiercely guarded by her father, a girl whose very presence in a company of men & women evokes ridicule & mockery...This is how people saw Jassi when she made her first screen appearance 3 years ago. Slowly this plain Jane made her way, warming millions of homes and hearts, to become the darling of the masses and India's most loved icon among youngsters.

The special episode lined up that day will Jassi taking the viewers through her eventful journey on the idiot box for three long years. Let s begin at the be ginning when Sony had gone into a marketing overdrive teasing view ers, hiding the identity of this girl who every body seemed to be in love with and then after days of hype and hoopla, the girl was un veiled on prime time television as Jasmeet Walia. Bespectacled, braces on her teeth, but toned-up salwar kurtas and a hideous fringe cut made Jas meet urf Jassi look nerdy, al right. But couch potatoes started adoring Jassi and spoke about her in the same breath, as Tulsi and Parvati. She was the girl next door who made the mid dle class woman see hope. She became an icon. Jassi s joys and sorrows, her antics in Gulmohar House, her clumsiness, her dedication towards her job and her unflinching love for her family and not to forget the way she handled her boss, Armaan Sir s personal and professional crises.

Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin was also responsible in making Sony a channel to look out for. It was a show, which gave hope to many producers and directors to go for Jassi-like shows. Middle-class became the buzzword and Jassi became an icon. Satya Paul launched a fashion line in her name and a limited-edition stamp was designed as a tribute to the aspirational quality of Jassi.

Next Thursday viewers will actually bid Jassi good bye . The show will be remembered for writing a new chapter in the history of Indian televi sion. that heroines need not be dolled up like brides-in-waiting, they can be also en dearing as Jasmeet Walia in her plain, simple, lovable look. For that alone Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin .

"Jassi was a refreshing change from the traditional fare of typical love stories and family dramas. The story of Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin is modern, aspirational and captures the simple middle class world of plain Jane Jassi who wants to make a mark for herself in the glamour world. As the story progressed, Jassi went through a transformation in terms of her look, attire, attitude, but her roots, her values and her aspirations remained intact and that's what made Jassi fans stay on as captive audience for 3 years now", says, N P Singh, COO, Sony Entertainment Television.

Speaking on the distinct concept of the show, Producer-Director, Tony Singh said, "When Sony Entertainment Television approached me with the concept of Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin, I saw it as a sure winner and was more than happy to take on the project. It is unbelievable that we have completed 3 years in which the show has won accolades and awards and will be remembered as the path breaking show on Indian television. Amongst all the shows that I will make and have made, Jassi...will always remain close to my heart"

"It will take me another 3 years to believe that the show is concluding", said a visibly sad and restless Jassi. "I have lived this character every single moment and right from the crew members and spot boys, all call me by this name. Jassi will always remain in my heart. This is the show that has given me name & fame in this industry. Most importantly, it has given me loyal fans who have stood by Jassi when she was a simple girl, during her tough time in Gulmohar, her relationship with Armaan Sir... They have laughed and cried with her, shared all her sorrows and happiness. Jassi has also taught me the real meaning of respect, love, friendship & sacrifice. It is sad that Jassi will no more reign the television screens, but I am confident that the good news that she leaves behind for all her fans will linger on forever..." she adds.

Apoorva Agnihotri better known as Armaan Sir, too shares similar feelings, "Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin has always been Jassi & Armaan Sir's story. It is hard to believe that the show, which was almost a part of our daily routine, will soon come to an end. We actually lived and looked forward to each day. I will always treasure the show and the character I played for the rest of my life!"