Mona Singh, who recently played a path-breaking role in the super-successful ALTBalaji web-series, Kehne Ko Humsafar Hain will soon be back in a stunning contrast avatar!!
After playing the other girl in a married man’s life in the above mentioned web-series, she will now be seen playing a simple housewife, a mother of three children in TVF’s web-series, Yeh Meri Family.
The series is set in the 90s when life was much simpler than today. She is paired opposite ace actor-filmmaker Akarsh Khurana.
Excerpts:
How was the experience working with TVF?
I feel that TVF people are not only professionals, but also passionate about the work that they do and that is very exciting. Work doesn’t seem like work when you are passionate about it. It is like you are working towards your dream. They concentrate a lot on the writing which most of people forget to do. When you watch TVF shows there is a lot of relatability factor. I have always been a fan of their work, so it is an honour to work with them.
What difference do you find between TV and digital platforms?
For this series, we had a lot of workshops especially because we had kids in our show. We did a lot of readings. There is a huge difference between digital platform and TV because of these small factors. In TV, there are no workshops, no script which is ready. You as an actor go on the set and learn who is playing your father and mother, post which the camera rolls. I feel it doesn’t work like this. Now, I realize this fact as digital platform is so different in its functioning.
Why do think that Yeh Meri Family would not have worked on TV?
If the show would have been on TV, it would have shut within two months. It is sad. I feel TV used to be very bold and progressive not in the context of sex. By bold, I mean concept. We had shows like Buniyaad, Malgudi Days, Waghle Ki Duniya. We also had Tara, wherein women used to smoke and speak about men on TV, which was like a Veere Di Wedding on TV. Why has this change come, I don’t understand. But I don’t want to be a part of it. I want to be a part of something with which people can relate to and watch. I am hopeful those days will come back again, but till the time they don’t, I am staying away.
TVF is a youth platform, so how will the audience connect to a family drama Yeh Meri Family?
When I was doing Kehne Ko Humsafar Hain, I was not sure that women will watch it or not because my mom herself doesn’t know how to download an app and watch a series. When my show came, not only my mother but also all her friends were learning from their kids about downloading the app and watching the series. Since there is nothing much to watch on TV, they can watch these shows on the web anytime when they are free. All Dadis, Nanis, their daughters were walking up to me and praising my work in Kehne Ko. I felt it was a beautiful change and India needs this change. I agree TVF has a youth audience and that is what they are trying to change. They want the families to come and watch together. This is a show that you can watch with your parents without being ashamed of. Yeh Meri Family is a beautiful show and I will proudly watch it with my parents.
The series is based in 90’s, so did you relive your childhood while shooting?
All my small memories of my earlier days got refreshed with the show. We have all been through the things that happen in the show. We used to have outdoor games like Kho-Kho, Chupan Chupayi and Kabbadi. Right now, kids don’t know about these games. They discuss games on their phone.
What is the best part about the web platform?
I feel it is the best platform not only for the makers, but also for actors, who want to do something unique in their career. Actors who are never satisfied with what they do and are always greedy for good roles will be the happiest people, as this is the platform that allows you to explore.
What keeps you busy when you are not working?
When I am not busy working, I cook, spend time with my family and travel. I love travelling; so I plan it in advance.
