Why Mona Singh Believes Portraying Jassi Was A 'Rulebreaking Moment'

In an insightful episode of The Rulebreaker Show, Shaili Chopra sits down with Mona Singh, the versatile actor known for her unconventional choices and breaking stereotypes. The conversation dives into the pivotal moments and decisions in Mona's career that defined her as an actor who consistently steps out of her comfort zone.

The Importance of Breaking Rules

Shaili Chopra kicks off the discussion by asking Mona about the times she felt compelled to break the rules in her life and career. Mona reflects on the significance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone. She emphasises the necessity of facing challenging situations to understand one’s true capabilities and resilience. 

Mona believes it’s crucial to continually push yourself beyond your comfort zone to truly discover your strengths and how you manage when things are beyond your control. Mona explains “As an actor, there are times when you simply have to wait for the right opportunity. I have patiently waited for the roles I wanted, turning down numerous shows and producers because I refused to do something that didn’t make me happy.”

Mona’s journey is a testament to the power of patience and self-assurance. She highlights the importance of saying no to roles that don’t align with one’s values, emphasizing that true talent will eventually be recognized.

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From Jassi to New Horizons

Shaili points out that for many, Mona Singh is still synonymous with her iconic role as Jassi. She asks Mona if taking on that role was a deliberate chance she took.

“Absolutely, it was a chance,” Mona acknowledges. “At that time, everyone wanted to look pretty and follow the conventional path, but I never did. I’ve always been a bit of a rebel, even from a young age. If someone said go left, I’d go right and carve my own path. " For Mona, doing Jassi was a completely different experience, and after the show ended, she knew she had to pursue diverse roles. She didn’t want to be stuck in the repetitive cycle of typical ‘saas-bahu’ dramas.

Defying Success Norms

When Shaili questions why Mona chose not to follow the traditional path that was considered the hallmark of success back then, Mona’s response is candid and reflective.

“For me, success was never about following the conventional route,” she says. “I realised early on with Jassi that there wouldn’t be a bigger role for me at that time. I didn’t want to be remembered as a one-show wonder. I wanted more for myself, and that meant taking risks and breaking away from stereotypes.”

Overcoming Stereotypes 

Curious about whether Mona’s tendency to defy societal stereotypes was intentional, Shaili asks if it was a conscious decision or a natural progression in her career.

Mona reveals that her role as Bulbul in the acclaimed series Made in Heaven was a pivotal moment for her. “Bulbul was a fantastic role, not just for me, but for any actor. What I loved most about her character was her resilience and positivity despite having faced significant trauma, including a bad marriage and domestic abuse. Instead of becoming bitter, she chose to rise above, combat misogyny, and help other women.' Playing Bulbul was a powerful experience for Mona because she embodied strength and positivity.

Mona Singh’s career is a narrative of breaking norms, taking risks, and choosing roles that challenge the status quo. Her conversation with Shaili Chopra on the Rulebreaker Show highlights the importance of patience, self-awareness, and the courage to say no to opportunities that don’t align with one’s true self. Mona’s journey is an inspiring reminder that true success lies in staying true to oneself and continually pushing the boundaries.