Mona Singh talks about her return to fiction shows in a candid chat with Neha Maheshwri Mona Singh, who catapulted to fame as 'ugly duckling' Jassi in Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi has hardly been seen in fiction shows since then, but now she will be seen in Sony TV's latest daily, Kya Huaa Tera Vaada starting January 30, Monday to Thursday at 10 pm. Incidentally, her character is named Mona Singh in it. Excerpts of the interview...

You have lost weight... It's good to be fit and look good especially when you are a part of the glamour industry. For Punjabis like me, we have to work a little harder on our body. I have lost 10 kilos over a period of one year.  Why weren't you seen in fiction shows all this while? Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi was the ultimate for me. People only addressed me as Jassi, long after the show was over. I took to reality shows to break that image so that people start knowing me as Mona. It wasn't a deliberate decision.

But now you are playing mother to three kids... I played a pregnant woman in 3 Idiots so it doesn't matter and I would love to play a Mother India also. I am an actor and it's very good to play different kind of roles. This is like a training for me which would come handy when I get married and become a mother in real life. Also, when I was playing Jassi, so many actors half my age in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi were playing mothers to 20 or 30-year-old actors. Here, at least I am playing mother to much younger kids.

Do you think staying away from fiction will hamper your performance, since you have lost touch? It's good to lose touch as you get to re-learn the thing. I like the freshness and rawness of the character. There is no typical drama and crying in my show.  What experience do you have working with kids on the show? Kids teach you a lot patience. While on the show one is cranky, the second one is sleepy and the third one wants to go back home.

Do you think you will be able to repeat the success of Jassi? I will give my best shot and leave the rest to destiny. This show is very promising which showcases a marriage after 10 years and has also made me realise that I enjoy acting more than hosting.  What's your take on the institution of marriage? I believe in marriage as an institution and I would love to have my own kids but then everything happens with time. I don't plan things but rather wait for them to unfold.