Ekta Kapoor is leaving no stone unturned in her efforts to make her digital platform, ALTBalaji big. After casting Ram Kapoor and Sakshi Tanwar in Karrle Tu Bhi Mohabbat, she has now roped in TV superstar Ronit Roy, Mona Kapoor and Gurdeep Kohli for her next presentation, Kehne Ko Humsafar Hai.
Just like TV shows and films have proper screenings and interviews, same is the case with most ALTBalaji shows; and Kehne Ko Humsafar Hai is no different.
As part of promotions (to go live on 16th March), IWMBuzz caught up with the talented and popular actor Mona Singh, for a quick chitchat on the show, and this is what she had to say (the actor seemed to be briefed well about what exactly to say).
“My character Ananya Sharma is an ambitious, happy-go-lucky interior decorator, who just happens to fall in love with a married man. The best part here is that, unlike TV, which does not allow for grey characters, we have not shown the other woman as bad. Rather, she is quite realistic. It is also a take on many relationships which continue to tug along, just to placate society; hence the title, Kehne Ko Humsafar Hai.”
How was it, working with Ronit Roy? “This is the first time I am working with Ronit. I have worked in a play with his brother Rohit, earlier. I would always think of him as someone who would intimidate people, but he is not. We had great on-and-off-screen chemistry. Also, as he has been around since the nineties, he brings a lot of experience to the table.”
Mona seemed quite upbeat about the potential of the web. “As TV is mytho-dominated, my parents and I have nothing to watch. So I am teaching them how to download apps or watch smart TV.”
Interestingly, Mona’s last small screen show, Kavach…Kaali Shaktiyon was part of the same fantasy-mytho zone.
Going on about web, she says, “After the initial burst of s*x and abuse, which I also did not enjoy, digital content is now maturing. There is space for serious, comedy, thrillers and other genres as well.”
Do web and TV compete? “While both have different markets, youth, like you and me, finally have something to watch. Recently, when I was returning home from abroad, most people on the plane were watching shows on their iPods and laptops, rather than in-flight TV.”
We then ask her to rewind and revisit her career for us. “I have had a super journey so far, with no regrets, for mistakes are also a learning curve. An actor needs to keep reinventing himself/herself. Luckily, post Jassi Jaissi Koi, I got a chance to host and take part in different reality shows (Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 1, Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega 1-5, Comedy Nights Bachao etc.). I have been given lots of love and appreciation by my fans and the industry.”
You don’t do too much work? “I am very choosy, preferring to do one good show, as against six unnoticed ones.”
What do you feel about working with Ekta Kapoor? “Superb. She takes most of her actors along with her. Ronit has been with her for years (Kasauti Zindagi Ki). I know her since 2012 (Kya Huaa Tera Vaada). She inspires me to work harder. Further, Ekta smartly does not get stuck with one particular genre, rather, she makes all kind of stuff, like Test Case and Romil and Jugal”.
She did not seem eager to come back to TV. “It really has to be interesting enough.”
Ask her about her Sony show, Pyaar Ko Ho Jaane Do, and she says, “I’m disappointed that this unique spy love story did not work on the ratings front; it should have. Guess some things work, while others don’t.”
Last, but not the least, any more film offerings? “My London-shot film should be out during the rains.” Her only notable film outing so far has been 3 Idiots.
Best of luck, Mona!!