Size zero is a big no-no for me. Mona Singh

Whatever she has achieved today is because of Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin. Mona Singh the gorgeous Punjabi kudi has indeed come a long way. The serial was a milestone not only in her life but also for television audiences. Mona became a celebrity overnight and went on to get different offers on the small screen. She then did a dance based reality show Jhalak Dikhla Jaa which she won and catapulted into another league. She also tried her hand at hosting and today is amongst the most loved hosts on TV. Currently hosting an emotional show titled Naya Roop Nayee Zindagi, Mona gets chatting on all about this and more. Naya Roop Nayee Zindagi… can you elaborate on this show? Well this is the Indian version of Extreme makeover, the popular show in the U.S. It deals with extreme cases of physical problems from birth and due to some situations they are not able to rectify it. I personally feel it’s a great show. How many doctors are there in the show and what were the criteria for the invitees? There are five doctors in the show dealing with extreme cases. The criteria for the invitees are the extreme problems an individual faces as this show will cure them and that also free of charge. All classes were included in the show except that they should be18 years and above. The talks for Naya Roop… were going on since long. Why did it take so long to come on air? Yes, I received the offer for the show when I was doing Jassi. The reason for the delay of the show was that the surgery and the healing of that patient takes a long time as it’s a lengthy process. The patient has to wait for at least 6 to 8 weeks. We had already finished shooting with 10 candidates. What difficulties did you and the participants face? I had to personally interact with them. It was difficult. It was not at all a good sight to see as they are not ordinary looking people. I had to understand them and give them a positive attitude which also built my confidence while dealing with them. For the patients it was much more difficult as there was no personal interaction for them with the family. They were not supposed to be in touch with family and had to deal with this entire trauma all alone. Besides that there was no mirror in the recovery room. It was only shown to them after they had recovered completely. What will be your take away from this show? Well frankly speaking I have stopped cribbing and complaining about my life. I feel we are very lucky and God has gifted us with a healthy life and body. I’m really thankful to God for and it feels great to be a part of the show. You had been through a makeover yourself in Jassi. How does it feel to host such a show? Makeover is not just haircutting and getting your make-up done or wardrobe changed but this show is about dealing with real problems. I’m very excited as I know Jassi started the trend of makeovers. For me it’s like I have become a fairy Godmother for all such shows. We have seen you in a different avatar in each show that you have done. Who do you idolise when it comes to fashion? I’m fortunate to get different looks in different serials. I like and want to keep changing my style in every show I do. For styling I look on to Shilpa Shetty, Pooja Bedi and Rakshanda Khan as my idols. Would you opt for cosmetic surgery? What is your take on size zero? If needed I would definitely go for a surgery. I don’t think I need it as I’m pretty normal. Talking about getting in shape I have achieved my target in that. I diet and make my family diet with me. I have turned a pure vegetarian. Size zero figures is a big no-no for me. Before Jassi I was a complete fashion chick in school and college. I had done ramp modelling but for Jassi I had to put on extra kilos and work on my body and language. Why have you not been seen in another serial after Jassi? After Jassi I have become very selective about work. I’m not in the rat race for being a bahu or a saas. Though I know this is what is selling on television today I chose to go as a participant and host in Jhalak Dikhla Jaa. Though personally I feel the trend on television should change and it is changing with different channels coming up with fresh and different ideas beside saas-bahu. Are there any plans for Bollywood? Whom would you like to work with on the silver screen? Well there is something in the pipeline when it comes to Bollywood. By the end of 2008 definitely you’ll be getting some news from me. Talking about whom I would like to work then it could be none other than King of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan. I hope that happens soon. What do you think about Karan Oberoi’s new production house and his new show? I’m happy for him and there are some plans to work with him in the show too. Nothing concrete has been decided but I would love to charge him a bomb for an episodic in Hadsaa.