Mona Singh, last seen on the small screen in 2016, returns as a mother in a web-series. She speaks with MUSKAN JAIN about her role and other projects in the pipeline
How’s it to essay a mother’s role again, this time in the web series Yeh Meri FamilyIJ
That’s what an actor’s job is. We always do things that we haven’t done. That is actually the best part about acting. I love it. When I played a mother of three in Kya Hua Tera Vaada, the show was very different. It was a show about infidelity, and this show, Yeh Meri Family, is all about a 90s family.
How is the mother in this show differentIJ
The mother in Kya Hua Tera Vaada was completely different. In TV, mothers are mostly shown crying or praying for the family. They are not strict with their children and are unreal. But, in this show, I portray a relatable and real kind of mother.
Any anecdotes about this web seriesIJ
My name in the show is Poorva but the director used to call me mummy and then everybody on the sets, including my on-screen husband and kids, started calling me mummy. Even the spot dada would call out saying: ‘Mummy khana lag gya hai’.
Any challenges while shootingIJ
There was a scene where I had to slap one of my on-screen kids. The director told me to actually slap him and not pretend. It was very difficult for me to do that. So, I first talked the scene over with the child asking him if he was okay with it. I also brought him chocolates after the shooting. It took more than one take for the ‘okay’ and I was feeling terrible about slapping him so many times.
You have earlier worked in the web series Kehne Ko Humsafar Hain based on modern relationships and finding love outside marriage...
Sometimes it’s important to get out of your comfort zone. Such shows are not made for TV viewers. I wonder whyIJ So, I was happy that somebody is doing it and yes, it was a modern love story. Also, the other woman is not shown as a vamp. I think it is important to break the cliché and make something that is more relatable.
How was your experience working in the TV serial Kavach-Kaali Shaktiyon SeIJ
I wanted to see where the character took me as an actor; it was a challenge that I took up. I liked the story and it was exciting to be a part of a supernatural show. Wearing all the safety gear and flying through terraces and balconies was a lot of fun.
You’ve worked in TV and films. What are the benefits and challenges in bothIJ
Television is challenging if you are the lead. You have to work for 10-12 hours a day. There are no Sundays which gets tough. Acting wise, in films and digital you get a lot of time to prepare. We know our dialogues and have read the script in advance. That makes it enjoyable. In TV, there are 100-200 episodes and it goes on. It is not possible for the script to be ready beforehand. Sometimes, the dialogues are given to the actors just before the scene and you have to memorise it on the spot. TV actors have to be really good at memorising their lines fast.
Will the web take over TVIJ
It is already happening. Many of my friends have cancelled their cable connections. I, too, don’t watch TV. The digital platform has better content. Also on TV, there are ads and you have to wait for the next episode the next day. Digital shows are there forever — whenever you want to watch them at your convenience.
Any upcoming projectsIJ
Yeh Meri Family has just released and it is getting a good response. After this, I will be shooting for the second season of Kehne Ko Humsafar Hain.
What do you look for in any roleIJ
For me, it is not only my role but the entire story that is important. Anything that challenges me or is out of my comfort zone, I say yes to it.