Mona Singh on playing Jassi, her new food business, and journey as an actor: ‘Had to completely transform my lifestyle for Laal Singh Chaddha'

Indian Express

19-06-2025

She became a household name as Jasmeet Walia in Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin in 2003, charming viewers with her awkward smile, thick glasses, and quiet grit. Two decades on, Mona Singh has not only played a range of memorable characters on screen, but also turned entrepreneur with her new food venture, Kona Kona. Ask her how she would describe the years in between, and she replies without hesitation: 'Enriching.'
In an exclusive interaction, the 3 Idiots actor opens up about the challenges of reinvention, her deep love for food, prioritising mental health, and why she believes in following instinct, even when it leads her to uncharted territory. Read the edited excerpts below:
Mona Singh: It's been a truly enriching journey. Acting was my first love – it gave me my voice, confidence, and purpose. I've grown with every character I've played. But as I evolved, I felt a growing desire to expand my horizons and build something of my own. Food has always been close to my heart, and I've always wanted to open a restaurant. The scale, however, was undecided. When the time felt right, I followed my instinct, and Kona Kona was born. It's an entirely different world with new lessons every day, but I love it.
Mona Singh: I've always believed in following my instincts, and venturing into the restaurant business with Kona Kona was a decision born out of passion and a deep love for food and meaningful experiences. Food has always been an integral part of my life, whether it's bonding with friends and family over a meal or discovering local flavours while travelling. I wanted to create a space that felt warm and welcoming, like home. The idea for Kona Kona came during a time when I was exploring ways to express myself beyond the screen.
Mona Singh: Kona Kona combines my love for food, culture, and storytelling. The name, meaning 'every corner,' reflects our vision of creating a space that resonates with the diverse flavours and memories from various parts of India. It's about celebrating the richness found in every nook of our country's culinary landscape.
I wanted to create a non-intimidating restaurant. I always envisioned it to be a fun bar where you catch up with your friends and drink like a duck. The decor is a mix of emerald green walls, bright red windows, and quirky elements like a Duckman mascot peeking from the walls. Black-and-white frames capture the essence of Mumbai, while red lanterns add a warm glow, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels nostalgic and contemporary.
Our menu is a curated journey through India's regional cuisines, infused with playful twists. Chef Jasleen Marwah and Chef Neetu Solanki have curated the menu. We've had some fun reimagining traditional snacks like Bihari nimki served with tangy TP chutney, and dishes like Himachali mushroom siddu that transport you straight to the hills.
Mona Singh: Mumbai made me who I am today, so why not? The people here are warm and welcoming, they are always curious, they are always looking for newer things, but at the same time, they are fun and adventurous. They want to explore kona kona of the city. The restaurant has a fun, relaxed vibe. So, Mumbai was a natural fit, it's a place I call home now!
Mona Singh: I come from an army household, which means we moved cities often. This ignited my passion for food. Now, with my hectic schedule, meals at home are a bit more relaxed but still very close to heart. I like keeping it balanced. Some days, it's wholesome ghar ka khana (home-cooked food), and on others, I experiment with newer dishes or order something indulgent. But that emotional connection with food hasn't changed. It's still about comfort, togetherness, and celebrating every bite. And with Kona Kona, I've tried to bring that same feeling into the space – food that feels familiar, but still surprises you.
Mona Singh: My husband is Tamil, and I'm Punjabi. Yes, I am a fan of South Indian food, especially idlis and dosas, and we bond over it despite our unique culinary identities.
Mona Singh: I make everything at home, so it clearly depends on my mood. If I want absolute comfort and it's raining outside, I might just go for simple khichdi, or I will make some nice rajma chawal. I love Indian food. So, if I'm at home and want to cook something for myself, it has to be Indian.
Mona Singh: I'm a firm believer in balance. I love my food, but I also understand the importance of staying active, not just to look a certain way, but to feel strong and energetic. My fitness routine is a mix of discipline and listening to my body. I don't push myself to extremes, but I make sure I move every day. So, I practice yoga and I also practice intermittent fasting. On most days, I have only one meal a day.
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Mona Singh: Acting can be incredibly demanding, not just physically with the long hours, but emotionally, too. You're constantly shifting between roles, absorbing energies, and navigating public life. Over the years, I've realised how important it is to protect your mental peace and create healthy boundaries.
For me, spending time with family and close friends is my biggest recharge. They keep me grounded and remind me of who I am beyond the screen. I also love switching off when I can—whether it's reading, going for a walk, travelling, or even just having a quiet cup of chai by myself. Meditation and journaling have helped me stay centred, especially during stressful shoots or emotionally intense roles.
Mona Singh: Every role comes with its own set of challenges, but one that really stands out for me was when I had to completely transform my lifestyle for Laal Singh Chaddha. I had to be thin in the first half of the movie, had to put on a little in the middle portion, portraying a woman in her mid-40s, and towards the end, I had to lose all that weight and look fragile. It was very challenging for me because I had to put on and lose weight in stages.
I also had to put on weight to play Bulbul Johri in Made in Heaven.
Mona Singh: The journey was nothing short of incredible. Jassi was such a defining chapter in my life; it gave me recognition and opened many doors. It taught me to stay true to myself amid the chaos of fame and expectations. Since then, I've explored diverse roles, taken risks, and also stepped beyond acting into entrepreneurship. Each phase has challenged me in different ways and helped me grow, as an artiste, and a human being.
It's been a journey of reinvention, resilience, and rediscovery. I'm grateful for every experience – the highs and the lows – because they've shaped who I am today. And I'm excited to keep evolving, learning, and creating new stories, both on screen and beyond.
Mona Singh: If they don't know by now, maybe it's the universe telling me to keep at least one plot twist in my biopic.