Mona Singh, the beloved actress who captured hearts as Jassi in her debut television show Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin, has transformed remarkably over two decades in the entertainment industry. Today, she stands as a celebrated performer in the digital space, content with her journey and grateful for the opportunities that came her way.
From Television Icon to OTT Powerhouse
Reflecting on her incredible transformation, Mona Singh shared insights about her professional evolution. From playing the iconic Jassi to portraying a police officer in the web show Mistry, and appearing in acclaimed series like Made in Heaven season 2 and The Ba***ds of Bollywood, her career has spanned diverse and challenging roles that showcase her versatility as an actor.
The actress expressed profound gratitude for her journey, especially considering she began with no connections in Mumbai's competitive film industry. "I didn't know anyone when I came to Mumbai, so everything that happened feels like a bonus," she revealed. "I've always liked to challenge myself as an actor and I feel blessed that I'm getting such brilliant opportunities on OTT now. I've seen the evolution, and I'm a part of this change — it is very fulfilling."
The Liberation of Digital Platforms
Mona Singh strongly believes that the shift from television to Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms has revolutionized entertainment for both creators and audiences. She emphasized that digital platforms have opened doors for diverse storytelling that television couldn't accommodate due to strict censorship and numerous restrictions.
"The kind of shows we watch online would never be shown on TV as there's too much censorship and too many restrictions there," Mona explained. "As an actor, you wouldn't get the chance to portray such complex characters there. I'm happy people have embraced OTT. It's a great phase for actors, writers and creators — there are so many stories to tell, so much more to do."
Why Mona Singh Bid Farewell to Television
The actress highlighted the practical advantages of working in the OTT format compared to television's demanding schedules. She finds the three-month commitment for a web show perfect for maintaining creative freshness and avoiding burnout.
"Working three months on one web show is perfect. You get your break, you come back fresh and ready to step into a new character. OTT works best for me," she stated. "Otherwise, TV has crazy timelines, especially when you are playing the protagonist. When I did TV, the shows would air from Monday to Thursday, but now, they air throughout the week. Oh my God! I wonder if these people even have a personal life."
Mona Singh has consciously decided not to return to television, having explored every aspect of the medium from daily soaps to reality shows and hosting. Her departure from TV was a deliberate career move, though she acknowledges the transition wasn't easy and required patience while waiting for the right roles.
Looking ahead, the actress is balancing her OTT commitments with film projects, with three movies scheduled for release next year. Her journey from the beloved Jassi to becoming a respected name in the digital entertainment space serves as an inspiration for actors navigating India's evolving entertainment landscape.
