Actor Mona Singh, whose career spans television, cinema, and digital platforms, reflects on the first 25 years of the 21st century as a significant period of personal growth and transformation within the entertainment industry.
Describing her journey, Mona shared that it has been defined by learning and gratitude. “Personally, it’s been a journey of constant learning and gratitude. I’ve grown with the industry, as an actor and as a person. I’ve been fortunate to play characters that allowed me to evolve, challenge myself, and stay relevant across mediums. I feel thankful to still be here, still excited, still curious,” she expressed.
From becoming a household name with her role in the 2003 show Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin to making a lasting impression in films like 3 Idiots, Munna Bhai M.B.B.S., and Laal Singh Chaddha, Mona has consistently adapted to the evolving formats and storytelling styles.
Her recent work in the series The Ba**ds of Bollywood** further showcased her ability to portray complex and contemporary characters with ease.
When asked about the change that surprised her the most, Mona remarked, “What surprised me the most was how quickly the industry embraced change. OTT platforms opened up a whole new world for actors and storytellers, and suddenly age, genre, and format didn’t matter anymore.” She added, “Also, the way audiences connect directly with artists now, through social media, is something I never imagined in the late 90s.”
Reflecting on Bollywood’s evolution over the past 25 years, Mona identified the most significant shift as being in storytelling. “When I look back at the first 25 years of this century, the biggest change I see is in storytelling. Stories have become far more real, layered, and fearless. We’re no longer afraid to explore uncomfortable emotions or grey characters.”
She emphasized that technology has radically transformed the way films are shot and presented. “But what excites me most is how the audience has evolved. Viewers today are curious, sharp, and open to all kinds of stories—big, small, commercial, or niche. That shift has been beautiful to witness.”
As this quarter-century comes to a close, the actress shared that she will remember this time for courage. Explaining her choice, she said, “I’ll remember these 25 years for courage—the courage to tell new stories, to break stereotypes, to reinvent ourselves. I’ll remember the love of the audience, the friendships formed on sets, and the joy of doing work that continues to matter.”
“Most of all, I’ll remember how cinema kept changing, and how I changed with it.”