Latest news with #JassiJaissiKoiNahin
Hindustan Times
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Neena Gupta says she lost roles in films because she didn't have a type: 'If you are not typecast, you're not memorable'
Versatility is something Neena Gupta has in abundance. In a career that has spanned four decades, she has played every concievable role from a demure housewife to Mahatma Gandhi's niece. However, the actor rues never being tyepcast. In a candid chat with Hindustan Times, she reveals why. Neena Gupta reflects on her acting career. Talking to us amid the promotions of Panchayat season 4, Neena reflects on her work on television, where she appeared on shows as diverse as Mirza Ghalib, Saans, Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin, and Masaba Masaba. 'I did a variety of roles on TV. But if you do variety, that is also a problem, because you don't have a type,' she says, adding, 'There is no 'take Neena for this kind of role'. Being typecast is very important. That helps create a certain image of yours, and then you are chosen for those kinds of roles. If you are not typecast, you are not memorable.' Neena says that television in India was always known for more diverse stories and rooted characters. 'In television, I did many different kinds of roles, from rural to urban. But TV was always looked down upon, considered lower level, while film is top level,' she adds. However, the actor is happy that now films are also being written with relatable, diverse characters. She says, 'Now, even films see rooted stories, which is a very interesting thing. I have done so many interesting roles in the last few years, which is so wonderful.' In the 80s, Neena Gupta established herself as a star in the so-called 'parallel cinema'. But it was in films in the last decade that she found her calling again, starting with Badhaai Ho. She is now seen in Panchayat. The show also stars Raghuvir Yadav, Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy, Sanvikaa, Durgesh Kumar, Sunita Rajwar, Ashok Pathak, and Pankaj Jha. It is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Mona Singh reveals physical challenges behind her role in Aamir Khan's 'Laal Singh Chaddha': 'I had to completely transform my lifestyle'
Mona Singh revealed that her role in 'Laal Singh Chaddha' was physically demanding, requiring staged weight changes to portray different life phases. She also transformed for Made in Heaven. Reflecting on her journey from 'Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin' to entrepreneurship, she embraces growth and upcoming projects like 'Paan Parda Zarda'. Mona Singh has established herself as a beloved talent across television, film, and digital platforms, winning hearts with unforgettable performances. She first gained widespread recognition in 2003 with the hit TV show 'Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin', becoming a household name. Recently, Mona opened up in an interview about her career journey and the toughest role she has ever taken on. Physical Transformation for 'Laal Singh Chaddha' During an interaction with The Indian Express, the actress shared, "Every role comes with its own set of challenges, but one that 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 and had to put on a little in the middle portion, portraying a woman in her mid-40s". Towards the end, she had to lose all that weight and look fragile. It was very challenging for her because she had to put on and lose weight in stages. Challenging Role in Made in Heaven The actress faced another demanding transformation for her role as Bulbul Johri in 'Made in Heaven', where she needed to gain weight to authentically bring the character to life. Reflecting on Career Journey In the same conversation, the actress looked back on her career, from her breakthrough role in 'Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin' to her upcoming series. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dhoni's Exclusive Home Interior Choice? HomeLane Get Quote Undo She described the experience as 'nothing short of incredible,' explaining that Jassi was a pivotal moment that brought her recognition and opened numerous opportunities. She emphasized how it taught her to 'stay true to myself amid the chaos of fame and expectations.' Since then, she has embraced a variety of roles, taken bold risks, and expanded her horizons into entrepreneurship. Each stage presented unique challenges that contributed to her growth both as an artist and as a person. Reflecting on this path, she called it 'a journey of resilience, reinvention and rediscovery,' expressing gratitude for all the highs and lows that have shaped her. She concluded with excitement about continuing to 'keep learning, evolving, and creating new stories, both on-screen and beyond.' Upcoming Project On the professional front, Mona Singh is gearing up for her role in 'Paan Parda Zarda', a gripping crime drama featuring Priyanshu Painyuli and Tanya Maniktala. The story plunges into the harsh realities of the underworld, weaving themes of ambition, betrayal, and complex human emotions into a powerful narrative.
Indian Express
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Mona Singh on playing Jassi, her new food business, and journey as an actor: ‘Had to completely transform my lifestyle for Laal Singh Chaddha'
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. A post shared by Mona Singh (@monajsingh) 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.
NDTV
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Mona Singh Launches New Restaurant Bar 'Kona Kona' In Mumbai
Actor Mona Singh is the latest celebrity to enter the food and hospitality space with the launch of her own restaurant. Mona, known for her roles in hit TV shows like ' Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin ' and films like ' 3 Idiots', has unveiled her new restaurant bar 'Kona Kona' in Mumbai. Located in Andheri West, Kona Kona is an all-day bar and restaurant built around the themes of travel, nostalgia, comfort, and relaxed vibes. "Kona Kona isn't about being fancy - it's about feeling at home. As a first-time restaurateur, I wanted to create a space where people come for a drink and stay for the stories, laughter, and comfort," said Mona Singh. She added, "It's a simple, heartfelt place that doesn't try too hard - just welcomes you as you are." Mona's vision was to build a space that feels lived-in - a place where guests are always welcome, never rushed, and always comfortable. Dramatic Interiors With Pet-Friendly Spaces The space spans 2,000 square feet with seating for around 100 people, including both indoor and outdoor areas. Guests can enjoy their meals and drinks in cosy corners lit by dramatic dim lighting. The outdoor section is pet-friendly and features a dedicated menu for pets. Nostalgic Food Menu With Dishes From Different Parts Of India The menu has been curated by Chef Jasleen Marwah and Chef Neetu Solanki. The neighbourhood bar features familiar favourites with a twist-like crispy TP Nimki, a beloved tea-time snack now reimagined for the bar; Darjeeling Jhol Jhal, which includes classic steamed momos served with a spicy jhol; and Siddhu from Himachal, a soft, steamed bread that sits somewhere between a pav and a dumpling. Speaking about the menu, Chef Jasleen Marwah and Chef Neetu Solanki said, "Every dish at Kona Kona is rooted in the feeling of childhood meals, street-side finds, and family kitchens. We didn't want to reinvent the wheel, just add a personal touch. Our food is instinctive, nostalgic, and designed to spark conversations-starting with a bite and ending with a story." Mona Singh hopes to create a space where people laugh together, enjoy food and drinks, and keep coming back for more.
