After dazzling viewers with her drastic make-over in Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin, Mona Singh a.k.a Jassi will spearhead more make-overs in a new reality show.
This was a face that launched a thousand eyeballs. But unlike Helen Of Troy, who was known for her beauty far and wide, this face did not fall into the category of a drop-dead gorgeous femme fatale. She had spectacles that were far too huge for her face, braces that could deflect sunlight and fringes that took the term bad hair day to a whole new level. But what made her endearing was her middle-class sensibility and her determination to stray from the trodden path followed by actors in Hindi serialdom.
Yes, we are talking about Mona Singh a.k.a. Jassi or Jasmeet Walia who has become a household name ever since the launch of the serial Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin on Sony TV. This suppertime serial, that saw a mousy protagonist turn into a swan, may have wound up a long time ago, but this is one actress who is finding it difficult to fill her own shoes.
"I realise that I got a dream break. Now, if I were to choose a role after Jassi, be it in films or serials, it has to be as strong, challenging character role. I have been going through myriad scripts but haven't zeroed down to any offers as yet," says Mona Singh in an interview with e+.
Further, one needn't be surprised if the signing on a dotted line takes time considering that her dream roles are something on the lines of Kajol's role in Fanaa or Rani Mukerjee's role in Black.
"These are challenging roles that I would love to portray. At the end of the day, I should feel that I have learnt something from the experience, otherwise there is no point," explains Singh.
A tall order, one might think for an actress with no godfathers in Bollywood backing her up. But remember, this is the lady who was largely responsible for the meteoric rise of Sony TRP (ratings) and who won the celeb-dance competition Jhalak Dikhhlaa Jaa with lan.
"Did you know that I have two left feet? And I had to practise for more than 10 hours a day for three months to get my act together. It was tiring but it was the most exhilarating experience of my life," gushes Singh. Pitted against other celebrities including cricketer Ajay Jadeja, chef Sanjeev Kapoor and sizzling Shveta Salve, Singh believes that her sheer determination and goodwill from her fans helped her clinch the title.
"This made me realise the extent of my popularity. Whether you are a success on a 35mm screen or a small screen, it's good to know that I am still popular," says Singh.
New reality show
Cashing in on her newfound popularity would be the soon-to-be-launched show Extreme Makeover on Sony TV.
"My character Jassi gave hope to millions of middle-class girls who may be average looking. This show goes one step ahead. It gives hope to people with critical disfigurements to lead normal lives by an expert conducting surgery on them," she says.
Speaking of her future projects, it's all work and no play for this actress. Her Valentine's Day celebrations would be work centric rather than long moonlight walks with a special someone.
"I am booked with work for the entire day. Sadly, I will be dancing for the other couples and making their V-day a special one. I have no plans at all," reveals Singh. Incidentally, the actress clammed up when asked about the identity of her special someone.
Singh, who has fond memories of Dubai thanks to her previous visit that saw an ardent fan giving her an elaborate hand-embroidered salwar (tunic) pieces and insisting that she wear it in her serial, is excited about her tour.
"Dubai seems to have the best of both worlds. And for a shopaholic like me, the Dubai Shopping Festival is a dream come true," quips Singh, who was here for a DSF show.
Whether she makes it to Bollywood after such an impressive debut on the small screen, one cannot tell. But one thing for sure is that her fan following will grow unabated for a long time to come.
TO ME, EXTREME MAKE-OVER IS ALL ABOUT...
- Being a beacon of hope for those with physical disfigurements
- Instilling a sense of confidence to all those who may feel a bit awkward about their 'flaws'.
- Incidentally, my character Jassi too managed to give confidence to all those middle class Indian girls who were not hip and happening
- Making a show about real people with real problems. The show is scheduled for launch in March or April on Sony TV
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