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I am enjoying my singlehood: Monika Singh
KRUTI LAKHLANI, TNN | Jul 27, 2011, 12.00AM ISTWith a tall frame, beautiful black eyes and a charming smile, Monika Singh nowhere looked like the calm and emotional mother that she plays in TV showMann Ki Awaz Pratigya.
Dressed in a brown jump suit she looked as young and fresh as a collegian. Being young in real life, what made this girl play a mother on screen? "Playing an older character was a challenge for me. Initially I felt a little awkward during the shoot when people older to me called me maa - I found it funny." But when asked about the fear of being stereotyped, she says, "When older people can play young roles, why can't younger play older character? Everybody is doing it these days as part of their job. And I am still offered younger characters," she says.
After winning beauty pageants, acting was a natural shift for Monika. Winning the crowns of Miss Jammu-Kashmir and Miss North in 2004, she decided to try her luck in acting. However, it wasn't as easy as she thought it would be. "Coming from a Rajput family it was really hard for me to convince my parents. Also I was only in standard at that time so they wanted me to complete my studies first. But I kept practicing in front of the mirror to sharpen my skills and also did some Punjabi albums. Finally, when I was offered television, I decided to quit studies to concentrate more on acting. Now when I have created an identity for me, I am planning to complete my studies," she explains.
Why did she decide to quit Pratigya which gave her so much name and fame? "Films were always my priority. I had joined television to get camera friendly. Now, I will not do television at least for a year or two, as I want to concentrate on films," she Monika who is reading some scripts but can't reveal much details about the projects.
She prefers to spend time with her family instead of partying. "I am not a party animal. I enjoy being with close friends and my family. When I am not working, I like to watch old movies at my home. I also practice yoga these days."
Talking about relationships, Monika says, "I was in a relationship with Ankit Gera but things couldn't work out well between us. I am now enjoying my singlehood and focusing on my career."
Monika who visited Gujarat for the first time to audition youngsters of the state feels, "Gujarat has many talented people. Also people here are cordial. I loved the Gujarati Thali," she says on a parting note.
Dressed in a brown jump suit she looked as young and fresh as a collegian. Being young in real life, what made this girl play a mother on screen? "Playing an older character was a challenge for me. Initially I felt a little awkward during the shoot when people older to me called me maa - I found it funny." But when asked about the fear of being stereotyped, she says, "When older people can play young roles, why can't younger play older character? Everybody is doing it these days as part of their job. And I am still offered younger characters," she says.
After winning beauty pageants, acting was a natural shift for Monika. Winning the crowns of Miss Jammu-Kashmir and Miss North in 2004, she decided to try her luck in acting. However, it wasn't as easy as she thought it would be. "Coming from a Rajput family it was really hard for me to convince my parents. Also I was only in standard at that time so they wanted me to complete my studies first. But I kept practicing in front of the mirror to sharpen my skills and also did some Punjabi albums. Finally, when I was offered television, I decided to quit studies to concentrate more on acting. Now when I have created an identity for me, I am planning to complete my studies," she explains.
Why did she decide to quit Pratigya which gave her so much name and fame? "Films were always my priority. I had joined television to get camera friendly. Now, I will not do television at least for a year or two, as I want to concentrate on films," she Monika who is reading some scripts but can't reveal much details about the projects.
She prefers to spend time with her family instead of partying. "I am not a party animal. I enjoy being with close friends and my family. When I am not working, I like to watch old movies at my home. I also practice yoga these days."
Talking about relationships, Monika says, "I was in a relationship with Ankit Gera but things couldn't work out well between us. I am now enjoying my singlehood and focusing on my career."
Monika who visited Gujarat for the first time to audition youngsters of the state feels, "Gujarat has many talented people. Also people here are cordial. I loved the Gujarati Thali," she says on a parting note.
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