‘Acting will always be my first love…’

She played the role of the garrulous auditor Bulbul Jauhari in filmmaker Zoya Akhtar’s popular Web series ‘Made in Heaven Season 2’ netting in serious acclaim. As a doctor in ‘Kaala Paani’ in the OTT space, she played a strategically scripted role.

Actor Mona Singh is synonymous with Mona in filmmaker Raju Hirani’s blockbuster ‘3 Idiots’, and as Aamir Khan’s mother in ‘Laal Singh Chaddha’. Known to speak her mind on podcasts and in interviews, she turns celebpreneur with her new restobar Kona Kona in Mumbai.

Shilpi Madan caught up with her for this chat.

What has your fauji background taught you?

To make a home wherever you go. Being a fauji kid meant growing up all over India, experiencing different flavours, ingredients and cooking styles in every city we lived in. That stays with you.

What made you start your own restaurant?

I’ve always been passionate about food - it’s been a quiet but constant presence in my life. Over time, the desire to create something of my own - to share those memories, stories and comfort foods – just kept growing stronger. Kona Kona reflects that journey. It’s about building a warm, welcoming space and a community that connects through food and shared nostalgia.

From Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi on the television as your debut to Kona Kona. An actor and entrepreneur. How has the journey been?

It’s been unpredictable, rewarding and full of learning. Acting will always be my first love. I’ve been lucky to work on stories that are diverse and meaningful - they’ve pushed me as an actor in the best way.