Mona Singh, long admired for her warmth and relatability on screen, is enjoying a refreshing phase in her career — one where she’s unapologetically breaking away from familiar territory. The actor is currently receiving widespread appreciation for her wickedly entertaining turn as Mama in Happy Patel Khatarnak Jasoos, starring Vir Das and Kavi Shastri. Known for playing grounded, empathetic characters, Mona’s leap into a negative role has come as a pleasant surprise for audiences — and even for the actor herself.
In a candid conversation, Mona spoke about embracing her darker side, laughing her way into the role, and why versatility, for her, is more about honesty than reinvention.
“It Was Fun Being Wicked”
Mona admits that playing Mama was a thrilling departure from the roles she’s traditionally associated with.
“Absolutely! I’ve always loved exploring new shades of characters,” she says. “Happy Patel gave me something I’ve rarely had the chance to do — a darker, edgier persona.”
What made the experience even more exciting was the tone of the film itself. The script allowed for a slightly mad, quirky energy, giving Mona the freedom to lean into unpredictability.
“I’ve often joked that I’ve never really played a villain before, so this was a first that I truly enjoyed,” she adds. “Stepping into that world was refreshing.”
Her First Reaction: Laughter, Not Fear
When asked about her initial reaction to being offered the role of Mama — a character far removed from her usual image — Mona’s response was refreshingly honest.
“You know, when I first heard about the character, I laughed!” she reveals.
Rather than being intimidated by the character’s mean streak, she found it intriguing.
“I didn’t think, ‘Oh no, this is too much.’ I thought it was unpredictable — and that’s exactly what drew me in. I thrive on challenges.”
For Mona, it wasn’t about how ‘negative’ the character was, but about how layered and unexpected she could make her. That curiosity ultimately sealed her decision.
On Versatility and Growth as an Actor
With audiences applauding her seamless transition into a negative role, does Mona feel dazzled by her own versatility? She answers with characteristic humility.
“I wouldn’t say dazzled,” she says with a smile. “But I do feel grateful.”
For Mona, versatility isn’t about consciously proving range — it’s about being truthful to the world of the story.
“I’ve been lucky to play expressive, joyous roles, grounded emotional characters, and now something mad and unpredictable like Mama. If audiences are appreciating that, it means I’m choosing well and growing.”
From The Ba*ds of Bollywood to Happy Patel**
2025 has already been a strong year for Mona Singh. After the quirky, bold The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, she’s starting the year with Happy Patel, continuing her streak of off-beat, genre-bending projects.
“It’s been an amazing run,” she says. “Both projects had such distinct voices.”
Looking ahead, Mona hints at more surprises.
“There are projects in both film and digital coming up — different teams, different genres. I like to keep surprising myself, and hopefully the audience too.”
That Special Bond With Aamir Khan
Mona also spoke fondly about her long-standing equation with Aamir Khan, a relationship that audiences have cherished ever since 3 Idiots.
“I think it’s a very organic, ghar-jaisa bond,” she explains.
Describing their connection as almost mother–son-like, Mona says the comfort they share translates naturally on screen.
“There’s no pretence. We can talk, sit quietly, be silly — it all feels very natural.”
She credits Aamir for creating a safe, collaborative environment for his co-actors.
“When that comfort exists, it shows on screen. It’s less about acting together and more about being present together — and that’s rare.”
A Reinvented Phase
With Happy Patel Khatarnak Jasoos, Mona Singh proves once again that reinvention doesn’t need to be loud — it just needs to be honest. By embracing unpredictability and stepping into unfamiliar spaces, she continues to evolve as a performer, reminding audiences why she remains one of the most respected actors in the industry today.
