In an industry where reputation and previous performances often secure roles for seasoned actors, a surprising revelation comes from actress Mona Singh, known for her discerning choice of roles and memorable performances. She has recently opened up about the lesser-seen aspects of Bollywood’s casting process, her professional evolution and experiences of working with one of the industry’s luminaries, Aamir Khan.
The revelation unfolded as Mona Singh, notable for her role in the hit television series ‘Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin’ and the critically acclaimed film ‘3 Idiots’, shared her insights on the auditioning process. She recounted her hesitation about auditioning for roles, despite her established track record. It was during the shooting of ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’, she encountered a turning point, facilitated by none other than Aamir Khan, her co-star in the film and a stalwart of Indian cinema.
Mona candidly described her conversation with Aamir, who is affectionately dubbed ‘Mr. Perfectionist’, addressing her discomfort with auditions despite having been in the industry for years. “I haven’t given many auditions after Jassi. I used to get shows without auditions. So, I used to feel why is someone calling me for an audition,” she recalled. Her sentiments are revealing, portraying the common misconception that an actor’s talent, once proven, should render auditions redundant.
However, Aamir Khan, with the wisdom of his extensive career, offered Mona a different perspective on auditions. He emphasized their importance, saying, “You should think about the makers as well. They need to see whether you look like the character or not. What is your accent?” He continued to explain that auditions serve as a tool for directors to ascertain the suitability of an actor for a specific character, and this should not be viewed as a judgment of an actor’s capabilities.
Mona also delved into her personal journey with the character of Gurpreet Kaur in ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’. The film, which marked its one-year anniversary, proved to be a pivotal experience for Mona, offering her the opportunity to portray a character whose life spanned from 18 to 60 years. The depth and variations required for the role were both challenging and rewarding. The audience’s response to her portrayal was overwhelmingly positive, which Mona cherishes as evidence of her commitment to the craft.
A poignant memory she shared was from the last day of shooting, capturing a scene where Laal’s mother passes away. Upon completing the intense scene, she was embraced by Aamir and the film’s director, Advait Chandan, followed by a spontaneous outpouring of emotion from the entire crew. The support and camaraderie illustrated the deep connections forged during the film’s production.
Adding to the intrigue, Mona’s candid conversation also brought to light Aamir Khan’s own experiences with auditions. In a surprising disclosure, Aamir revealed that he had auditioned for his role in ‘Secret Superstar’ in 2017, a fact that might astound many considering his standing in Bollywood. This admission from Aamir serves as a testament to his dedication to his roles and the filmmaking process, further bolstering the argument that auditions are a necessary, egalitarian step in storytelling.
The insights from Mona Singh and Aamir Khan offer a fascinating glimpse into the dynamics of Bollywood’s casting and preparation processes. They underscore the notion that regardless of one’s past successes, the journey towards embodying a character afresh comes with inherent challenges and learning opportunities. ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’ remains a benchmark project for Mona Singh, reflecting not only the diversity of her acting prowess but also the ethos of mutual respect and striving for excellence that she shared with Aamir Khan.
