Mona Singh on Her Bollywood Journey: “I Always Wanted to Be a Lead Actress”
Mona Singh, the iconic star of Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin, has been a staple in Indian entertainment for over 20 years. Despite her talent, she’s rarely been offered lead roles in Bollywood. In an exclusive chat with NextMinuteNews, she shares her unfiltered thoughts on rejection, resilience, and reinvention.
From TV Fame to Bollywood Hurdles
Mona shot to fame as Jassi, a role that made her a household name. But transitioning to Bollywood wasn’t easy.
“I always wanted to be a lead actress in films,” Mona admits. “TV was supposed to be a stepping stone, but the industry had other plans.” Despite her popularity, she was typecast—often relegated to supporting roles while “conventional” heroines took center stage.
The Typecasting Trap
Though she delivered memorable performances in 3 Idiots, Kedarnath, and Laal Singh Chaddha, Mona struggled with Bollywood’s narrow beauty standards.
“I wasn’t the ‘glamorous’ type they wanted,” she says. “After Jassi, I was seen as the girl next door, not a mainstream heroine.” She also lamented the lack of meaty roles: “I wanted depth, not just decorative parts.”
How Mona Reinvented Herself
Rather than waiting for the “perfect” role, Mona diversified—venturing into web series (Kehne Ko Humsafar Hain), reality TV (Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa), and theatre.
“OTT gave me what Bollywood didn’t—complex, lead-worthy characters,” she says. Her digital work has earned critical acclaim, proving her versatility.
No Regrets, Only Gratitude
Mona refuses to see her journey as a failure. “I’ve worked with legends like Aamir Khan—that’s priceless,” she reflects. “Validation should come from within, not just the industry.”
Her advice to struggling actors? “Rejection isn’t the end. Keep growing, and the right roles will find you.”
What’s Next for Mona?
Currently focused on OTT projects and production, Mona aims to champion meaningful stories. “I want roles that matter, not just stereotypes,” she says.
Her final takeaway? “I may not have been Bollywood’s leading lady, but I’ve lived countless lives through my characters—and that’s enough.”
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