Shivani
Recently, in a conversation with Zoom, Mona Singh reflected on challenging traditional norms and redefining beauty standards for women in television. She discussed the unrealistic expectations placed on actors through social media and how these pressures often shape public perception. Mona revolutionised the image of television actresses with her iconic role in Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin (2003). By portraying a character that broke away from stereotypical beauty ideals, she changed how audiences viewed female performers. Her courage to embrace authenticity made her a pioneer, inspiring countless women and setting new benchmarks in the entertainment industry for confidence and individuality.
Mona Singh opened up about her journey of breaking norms and stepping beyond her comfort zone. From Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa on television to films like Laal Singh Chaddha and web series such as Kaala Paani and The Ba**ds of Bollywood. She has fearlessly embraced diverse roles.
Mona Singh believes complacency is ‘unappealing’
In her interview with Zoom, Mona revealed: “I have always operated under the belief that I won’t just sit back and wait for opportunities to come to me. I find that very unappealing,” she remarked, adding, “The most appealing quality is ambition and the drive to pursue it, rather than remaining complacent.” Rejecting complacency, the actress expressed, “I never positioned myself thinking that I would do TV for 5 years just because it’s comfortable. I have never done that.”
Breaking the Norm
Reflecting on her journey in the industry, Mona proudly remarked: “My debut show, Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin, altered every rule in the industry. A girl who was expected to be pretty, glamorous, and solely focused on vanity upon entering the industry, I shattered that stereotype. For me, as an actor, individual, and human, I have consistently challenged the status quo. I seek comfort and affection at home, but outside, I thrive on adrenaline, challenges, and exploring new experiences. From Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin to The Ba***ds Of Bollywood, it has been an incredible journey. I have gained so much from each role I have taken on. I have unlearned numerous things. It’s an ongoing process of growth.”
Mona’s Take on Modern Beauty Standards
Mona also spoke about her decision to reject unrealistic beauty standards. For her, “vanity isn’t just about looking attractive—it’s about feeling confident and caring for oneself.” She emphasized that true beauty lies in self-assurance and self-respect rather than external validation. Mona remarked: “These unattainable beauty standards portrayed in magazines, where images are heavily edited, place women in a position where they feel ‘I’m not enough.’ That is the barrier we must dismantle, allowing us to embrace ourselves as we are. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to look good and exercising for your own sake. If you feel good, that’s great, but succumbing to the pressure of feeling inadequate or unattractive is simply absurd.”
Social Media and the Rise of Unrealistic Beauty Standards
When asked whether social media’s beauty standards have a negative impact on aspiring actors, she agreed, saying: “Many things you see on social media are misleading. People sharing their vacation photos and such—are they truly happy? Nothing is flawless, and no one leads a perfect life. Perfection is unattainable. We must accept our imperfections and who we are. However, the positive aspect is that we should strive to improve ourselves. We need to evolve and grow over time without taking social media too personally. People often feel down when they have fewer followers. I’m not sure what kind of world we are living in.”
After The Ba**ds of Bollywood* Mona’s upcoming lineup includes Paan Parda Zarda, Ma Ka Sum, Border 2, and Happy Patel Khatarnaak Jasoos.