Mona Singh | She has successfully spread her magic both on small and big screens. Singh, who will now be seen in Laal Singh Chaddha, speaks with Musba Hashmi about what made her host &TV’s Mauka-E-Vardaat, the success of Jassi and whether she has got her due in the industry
You will be seen in Laal Singh Chaddha. This is the second time you are working with Aamir Khan. How was the experience working with him?
It was lovely. The biggest difference I have seen while working on TV and films, is that on the film sets no one is in a hurry. Everything has to go slow, but perfect. While, for TV, we had to work under strict timelines. Everybody is in a hurry and wants to finish the shoot because we have tomorrow’s telecast in the pipeline. So, somewhere quality goes for a toss in TV. But, in movies, we have 100-200 days for shoot and everybody focuses on quality. And then you have Aamir Khan on board, people yearn to work with him and wait to watch his movies. For me, to be on the sets of Laal Singh Chaddha was nothing, but magic.
What did you take back home from the sets?
All the experiences, the memories and a big family. We all used to spend lots of quality time together. During the lockdown, the whole cast had made a Ludo room, of course Aamir sir is not there because he is not a vella, but we all played Ludo online and had become good friends. We were like one big family.
Your first show Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahi was a hit. Did you ever imagine such a response for it back then?
When I signed up the show, I had no idea of what I was getting into. I was made to look completely different as to what I am in the real life. I was sure of one thing that either it will work good or will not work at all, it won’t get lost in between. The day it was released, the entire channel was like ‘yeh kya ho gaya hai’. My phone kept ringing that day, people were talking about the show and the media was chasing us to get my identity out. I kept changing cars and hotels. I felt like a superhuman. My life was changed 360 degrees. It was overwhelming.
How did you cope with all the love?
I loved it. Like I said, it was overwhelming. I remember people were trying to touch me when I made public appearances. I lived every moment of that phase. Somethings happen only in dreams and I was living that dream.
Were you apprehensive before taking up the role?
No. I didn’t have any plans, I just went with the flow. I did question it at all. I gave about 20 auditions and with every audition they used to keep changing my look and made me look worse. But, I was having fun.
Do you think you have got your due in the industry?
Yes, and how with my first show. No body has it so easy in life. With my second show, I became the first winner of Jhhalak Dikhlaa Jaa. Then, I did so many other shows and movies. 3 Idiots was the biggest hit. Now, I am doing Laal Singh Chaddha, so yes I have got my due. And, with web series coming in, I am loving the kind of roles I am being offered.
What made you come on board &TV’s Mauka-E-Vardaat?
I have explored a whole lot of genres, but this is the first time I am hosting a crime based show. That is what attracted me towards it. Moreover, I felt it is the right choice to make my comeback on TV after five years.
Any particular story that shook you?
While we were discussing about the promo shoot and the stories that we will be dealing with, there was one that shook me. It was about a girl who boarded a bus to some destination and later it was found out that she was murdered during the journey and her dead body was packed in a suit case. It was shocking and I was left wondering how did that happen. This is the exact question that will be answered in the show.
Narrating stories need a lot of courage. Do you have to do any preparations?
As women, we are emotional and sensitive beings and for hosting a crime show, I had to give my all. For some shows, we can just get straight to the point while hosting. But, when there are crimes involving women and children, we definitely need to be more sensitive. Male hosting a show is different from a woman hosting a crime show. Women have that advantage of emotions and I was going all out with that.