Posted:
| TALKING POINT with Mona Singh | |
| Sulakshana Gupta | |
| Mumbai, August 28: er three character changes, what's your real identity? I've been Jassi, Jessica and now Neha Shastri. Even on the sets, people were confused about what to call me. Fans come up and ask, hum aapko kya bulaaye. Finally, I've told them to simply call me Mona. Are you worried about Jassi's falling ratings? No, my job as an actor is to portray the character. Fluctuations in ratings make no difference at all. I did have problems with it, especially the wedding sequence. Why would Armaan doubt Jassi and marry Mallika? Why is my name changing? I come from a middle class family and I kept thinking that something like this would never happen in real life. However, the channel explained that such liberties have to be taken to hold viewer interest. Do you like playing Neha Shastri? Jassi's realised that being beautiful and taking revenge as Jessica is not satisfying. Neha Shastri is a widowed teacher at the school Purab helped set up. The cast and location have changed and they seem exciting. But I do miss fighting with Nandu and Maddy. That was the best part about the show. So you enjoy playing a school teacher? It's something I never thought I'd do. In school, I was a complete brat and all my teachers would say, 'Either you leave or we do'. Life's come full circle. Will there be a new man in Jassi's life? There may be new characters who'll help her along the way, but never another love interest. She's too scarred by the Armaan episode and devastated by Purab's death. It's time she proceeded alone. What about your love life? Believe me, even if I had a boyfriend he wouldn't be able to keep up with my hectic schedule. Is it difficult now to speak as Mona the actor? No, in fact it's liberating. Earlier I would be perpetually confused about whether I was Jassi or myself. Finally, I'm an actor talking about her character. When is the story going to end? Jassi is not a serial that can continue for a thousand episodes. Nor do I see myself playing the character for much longer as my contract expires early next year. The show began with Armaan and Jassi, and must conclude with a confrontation between the two. The rumour mills are saying that you're worried about your weight? I have put on a few pounds. During the wedding scenes, I was looking reallychubby. So I've started gymming again and cut down on fatty foods. Tell us about your film. It's completely different from my Jassi image and is tentatively titled Main to Chala. I'm also dying to do a play. Few people know that you're a really good singer. Everyone's been urging me to try out for one of these talent shows. I love music and if I wasn't on Jassi..., I would definitely have been a part of Indian Idol or Fame Gurukul. |
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