Mona Singh recalls 11 pm audition returns, 2-decade journey in Bollywood
Synopsis
Before 'Jassi' made her a household name, Mona Singh was commuting daily from Pune to Mumbai, auditioning at Mahalakshmi, and getting home at 11 pm — often shortlisted, rarely cast. Her candid recall of those years, set against a packed 2026 slate of six titles, is a rare insider window into what perseverance looks like before the spotlight finds you.
Key Takeaways
Mona Singh appeared in six titles in 2026 : 'Happy Patel' , 'Border 2' , 'Kohrra' Season 2 , 'Subedaar' , 'Maa Kasam' , and 'Pritam Pedro' .
She used to commute daily from Pune to Mumbai via the old highway for auditions, returning home as late as 11 pm .
Her father advised her not to relocate to Mumbai until a role was confirmed, given she had no industry contacts.
Her audition for Jassi in Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin marked the turning point in her career.
She will next be seen in filmmaker Vikas Bahl 's 'Bolo Bolo Bolo' .
Actress Mona Singh, fresh off a landmark year in 2026 with six major titles — 'Happy Patel', 'Border 2', 'Kohrra' Season 2, 'Subedaar', 'Maa Kasam', and 'Pritam Pedro' — has opened up about the grinding early days that defined her more than two decades in the entertainment industry.
Speaking candidly, Singh reflected on the perseverance, family backing, and sheer determination that kept her grounded through a period of relentless uncertainty before fame arrived.
The Pune-to-Mumbai Grind
Singh revealed that in the beginning, she was entirely unknown in the industry and had no connections to lean on. Her father's advice was practical and protective: wait until something concrete materialises before uprooting your life.
'When I started my acting journey, I was very new and didn't know anyone in the industry, but my family supported me. My dad had told me not to shift right away. He said, 'Since you don't have work at the moment, I don't want you to move there right now. You don't know anybody there. Once something is confirmed, then you can move.' I said, 'Okay',' she recalled.
Auditions, Rejection, and Late Nights
The daily routine was far from glamorous. Singh used to commute from Pune via the old highway to Mumbai, alighting at Dadar and travelling further to Mahalakshmi for auditions, often not returning home until 11 pm. Despite frequent shortlistings, roles remained elusive for a stretch.
'There were so many calls when I would get shortlisted but still wouldn't get the role,' she said. It was her audition for the iconic television character Jassi — the lead in the popular show Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin — that changed everything. 'And then, you know, I auditioned for Jassi, and there was no looking back,' she added.
What's Next for Mona Singh
The actress is set to next appear in filmmaker Vikas Bahl's upcoming project 'Bolo Bolo Bolo'. Known for bringing authenticity and emotional depth to varied roles, Singh continues to challenge herself creatively across both film and streaming platforms.
This comes amid a broader industry conversation about the gruelling path for actors without insider connections — Singh's account is a reminder that even decorated careers often begin with late-night bus rides and a string of near-misses.
Point of View
Singh's trajectory is the counter-argument that rarely gets told loudly enough.
NationPress
3 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What films and shows did Mona Singh appear in during 2026?
Mona Singh appeared in six projects in 2026: 'Happy Patel', 'Border 2', 'Kohrra' Season 2, 'Subedaar', 'Maa Kasam', and 'Pritam Pedro'. The slate marked one of the most prolific years in her two-decade career.
What was Mona Singh's daily routine during her early audition days?
Singh used to commute from Pune via the old highway to Mumbai, getting off at Dadar and travelling to Mahalakshmi for auditions, and often returning home by 11 pm. Despite frequent shortlistings, she went through a prolonged stretch without landing a role.
What role changed Mona Singh's career trajectory?
Her audition for the title character Jassi in the popular television series 'Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin' was the breakthrough moment. Singh has said that after that audition, 'there was no looking back.'
What is Mona Singh's next project?
Mona Singh will next be seen in 'Bolo Bolo Bolo', an upcoming film directed by Vikas Bahl. No release date has been announced yet.
How did Mona Singh's family support her early acting career?
Singh's father advised her not to relocate to Mumbai until she had a confirmed role, given that she had no contacts in the industry at the time. She honoured that guidance and commuted from Pune for auditions during her initial years.
