Upasana Singh on modern love: compatibility matters more than sacrifice
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Veteran actress Upasana Singh says the way people experience and define love has shifted considerably over the decades — and she believes many of those shifts are healthy. Speaking during promotions for the romantic music video 'O Jana', which features her son Nanak Singh alongside Simran Khanwani, Upasana reflected on how relationship expectations have moved from emotional extremity toward pragmatic self-awareness.
From Sacrifice to Self-Awareness
Upasana recalled that during her formative years, love was often framed in terms of total surrender. 'When I was young, relationships were often viewed very differently. People believed that they could not live without the person they loved. Many films portrayed extreme sacrifices in the name of love,' she said. That cinematic template, she noted, shaped how an entire generation understood romance — sometimes to its detriment.
Today's younger generation, she observed, approaches the same emotions with considerably more grounding. 'Today, people are more practical. If a relationship does not work out and two individuals feel they are not meant to spend their lives together, they move forward instead of forcing things,' she explained.
Why Walking Away Can Be the Wiser Choice
Upasana was direct about the value of recognising incompatibility early. 'If two people realise that they are not compatible, it is better to part ways respectfully rather than spend their lives unhappy together,' she said. The actress framed this not as a failure of commitment but as an act of mutual respect — a perspective that contrasts sharply with older cultural scripts around endurance in relationships.
She was also careful not to romanticise the present uncritically. 'Every era has its strengths and weaknesses. Some changes are good, while others may not be. Society continues to evolve, and definitions of love naturally evolve along with it,' she added, acknowledging that the shift toward practicality carries its own trade-offs.
A Mother Watches Her Son Step Into the Spotlight
Beyond the conversation about love, Upasana opened up about the deeply personal experience of watching Nanak Singh enter the entertainment industry. 'It is a very emotional feeling for any mother. Ever since Nanak was a child, I could see signs that he belonged in this profession,' she said.
The music video 'O Jana' marks a visible step in Nanak's public career, and for Upasana — who has spent decades in the industry — the moment carries obvious weight.
Advice for Aspiring Actors
Upasana also used the occasion to share guidance for those hoping to break into acting. Her prescription was rooted in observation rather than technique alone. 'Work hard and keep learning every day. An actor must observe life constantly. Observe how different people walk, speak, react and express emotions. Every individual has unique mannerisms, and an actor learns from these observations,' she said.
As 'O Jana' releases and Nanak Singh steps further into the public eye, Upasana's reflections on love, change, and craft offer a layered look at one of Bollywood's most recognisable character actors navigating a new chapter — both on screen and off.