Extreme Makeover 4 Mona[Jassi]-Interview

There was a time when all of us believed that Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin. Alas! The saga of the ugly duckling got over with a makeover and that also put an end to our interest in the serial. (As always, our sympathy was reserved for the underdog.)

The lovely (made-over) Mona Singh has moved on to an extremely interesting show but the word 'makeover' has stuck to her like an old pal. As soon as we heard about her forthcoming reality show, 'Extreme Makeover' on Sony, we called her to check what our 'Queen Victoria' is up to. Here's how our conversation went...


What is your new show, 'Extreme Makeover' all about?
Right now I have just shot for the promo of the show which is for the entries. The worst cases will be short-listed. The show is for people with slight disorders on their faces or some parts of their bodies, because of which they are not too confident and have given up hope. We take them to the best of doctors and surgeons and take care of their accommodation, hospital charges and basically everything involved in the process of the makeover. We give them a new life and a new face.

Is it based on the international show, 'Extreme Makeover'?
Yes, it is a formatted show from abroad called 'Extreme Makeovers'.

What made you take up the show?
First thing is that I have never done something like this and secondly it is for a very good cause. I'll get a lot of blessings from people. It is for such a good cause, if I can help them out in some way, then why not. Also I am sure that people will be able to connect with me as 'Jassi'; the way she had started out as not so good looking and under-confident person. I had undergone a makeover, so that will be the connect for people.

Makeover seems to be the keyword in your career...
Yes (laughs). I think Jassi is the one who started the trend of makeovers.

After 'Jassi', this is the first show you are doing. The expectations are going to be huge. How do you feel?
See, you can't compare the two shows. It is not a daily soap, it's a reality show where I connect with people and they get a new life. If I had taken any other daily soap I am sure I would have been compared. Here the chances of comparison are very little. It is a one to one connect with people.

Didn't you consider taking up another daily soap like 'Jassi'?
I think it is too early for me to take up a daily soap. I have worked for 3 years non-stop. I think I just needed this kind of break. 'Extreme Makeover' will not keep me very occupied and allow me some time to myself. I am also going through some scripts, so let's see. I should be back on a daily soap soon.

What's happening to your film with Bobby Pushkarna?
Well, the talks are going on. Those people want me to lie low for a while. They aren't going to start immediately. The hero hasn't yet been finalized. It will take some more time.

And lastly, are you missing Jassi?
(Laughs) Yes, of course I miss shooting for Jassi. I just felt very bad that the show was getting over. I think something like this will never happen on Indian television again. It has changed all the trends. But I also feel proud that I was a part of the show. Something good that starts also needs to end.